Pyaar to dil se hi hota hai

Iss tarah hisab kitab kar k naap tol k nahi hota

_______________________

He didn't want to let go of this opportunity. He has to lit the fire which he could see has doused in RM just because everyone has lied to Devyani Singh Raizada considering her health.

So the very next morning he decided to execute his plan.

Coming back to RM Shyam headed straight to Nani's room where Manorama was already present. He knocked once and then entered freezing both the people in the room.

"Namaste Nani ji. Mami ji." Shyam greeted with as much mock sweetness as he could.

He got a curt nod from Devyani while Manorama didn't bother answering him. He gritted his teeth. All because of Arnav everyone treated him cautiously except for Anjali. Arnav has implanted a doubt in their minds which he knew would stay there until or unless he wouldn't manipulate them to earn their trust back. If not for Anjali he wouldn't have come back in RM nor the door of this mansion would've ever opened for him.

"Anjali bitiya isn't home." Devyani said sitting on the bed leaning against the headboard.

"I know Nani ji. Rani Sahiba told me Arnav has finally allowed Khushi ji to meet her mother. She told me she was going to be there at Laxmi Nagar but when I went there something strange happened." He smirked inwardly as he saw worry lines creasing Nani's forehead. Manorama stiffened besides her.

"What?" Devyani asked.

Manorama interjected urgently.

"Let it be damad ji. All that matters is Arnav bitwa is changing for Khushi bitiya. We shouldn't be concerned about anything related to Laxmi Nagar neighborhood."

Shyam cursed in his mind. Why Mami ji has to intervene?

"Oh right. I was just-" Shyam made an ever so innocent face.

"What is it?" Nani asked. The concern only adding up to her stance. Manorama tried to change the topic but Devyani stopped her sternly.

"Bua ji's house was locked from outside. When I asked the neighbors they told me that Guptas left a few days ago. I am still trying to figure out why Rani Sahiba lied to me about being there when no one from Guptas was there for days?" He made a perfect confused face pulling the rug under Nani's feet. She blanched.

Manorama's eyes widened. She glared at Shyam who made an apologetic face.

"Manorama where is Khushi bitiya then? Anjali bitiya? And Chote? Where is he? Where have they gone if not to Laxmi Nagar?" Devyani asked on the verge of panicking.

"They would be here by afternoon or maybe even before that." It was Akash who entered and came to stand at the foot of the bed. Payal came to stand besides him.

"Where are the Guptas? If they weren't here at all then why did you lie to me that Khushi went to meet her family accompanying Anjali bitiya with her?"

"I didn't lie Dadi. Guptas has shifted to a rented place as their house needed renovation. While the work is going on in their home they had to find another place to live in, right. Khushi ji and Di are in that house so obviously-" He turned his head to meet Shyam's eyes. "--Jija ji would find Buaji's house locked."

"What about the neighbors who said that-" Shyam started seeing the situation getting out of his hand.

"Neighbors say whatever they presume right. They love to spread rumors mostly which aren't right." Akash interjected strongly. "Payal is right here Jijaji. Surely neighbors won't know more than her own maternal home would they?"

"Ji Dadi ji. We went to meet with them yesterday only in their new home. Also I just got a call from Di that she and Khushi are coming back to RM in a bit. Arnav ji would himself pick them up and bring them home." Payal spoke this time relieving all of Devyani worries and causing Shyam to clench his jaws.

Manorama looked at Akash and Payal in adoration for handling the situation well.

Shyam left making an excuse when Akash warned him through his eyes.

Payal placed a hand on Akash's arm who let out a resigned sigh coming out of the room back to their own. He hugged her tightly and mumbled against her hairs.

"Thank you for being my constant support even after everything you yourself are going through."

"Come on Akash. We are one and so are our problems. I will always be by your side whether you like it or not." She added humor in the end to cheer him up a bit.

Pulling back he gave her a small smile before bending to kiss her cheek.

"Thank you anyway." He grabbed both of her hands and bringing them up to his lips kissed them.

"We have to do something about this Shyam Manohar Jha. We already have so many problems in here. He is only going to add more if he stayed here."

"I second that." Payal said seething. "Did you see how he tried to play with Dadi ji's health? If we hadn't got here in time and heard him or handled it all he would've got Dadi ji back in the hospital."

"Exactly. Bhai is so busy ruining his own life that he doesn't even know his biggest enemy is getting stronger by his ignorance because his only focus is on hurting Khushi and getting freaking revenge."

Payal leaned her head on his chest.

"I just hope Di meant when she said that they are coming back to RM." She mumbled wrapping her arms around his back. Akash's arms on their own accord snaked around her.

"Me too." Akash whispered kissing the top of her head.

"Everyone knew about it for a while didn't they?" He gritted out.

"Yes!" She glared at him and jumped at her place when he hit his hand on the bedside lamp causing it to crash to the wall and smash into pieces.

Putting his fist into the mouth he stood up and took many steps back from the bed, from her. Despite herself she felt her heart hurting with every step he took away.

"You have thirty seconds to get out of this room. GET OUT BEFORE I LOSE CONTROL OR HURT YOU!" He yelled to which she almost jumped out of the bed and ran to the door while he turned his back to her.

Khushi swallowed hard looking out of the window sitting at the backseat of his SUV while Anjali and Arnav sat in front. Despite Anjali's and even Arnav's attempts to make her sit besides him she defied them. Unlike before Arnav let her have her way this time around.

He would peek a look at her through rear view mirror and every time he did his heart would squeeze in his chest whilst her words, her cries would ring in his ears and pound in his head adding up to his misery.

"I will believe you the day you'd let me go. When you won't cage me anymore. When you would let me go wherever I want without any questions. When you would let me meet my family. Not just the Raizadas but Guptas as well!"

How on earth would he ever.. ever make her believe him after everything he did because neither could he let her go nor could he just let her be out of his sight because he was sure the moment she got a chance she would run away leaving him shattered beyond repair. Not only her she would take away the only light which has come out of all the darkness they had faced. Their baby. The only hope for their better.. or probably happy future.. together.

Now that he has taken the very first step to make things better between them by taking her back to RM he was going to move heaven and earth and even hell together to get through her. Above all he has promised her to forget his past, his revenge and move on. It would be hard but he was willing to try. For her and the little life they have created together by their love. The love which breathed for only few days in between them before turning back to a darker shade of hate between them.

But if only she would give him a chance. If only!

"I am sorry. So sorry." He murmured against her face.

"Please forgive me."

"I can't. It's just too much. This time I can't even trust you.I gave you so many chances but you always broke my trust one way or the other.

"This time you have taken away all our chances. You shredded our relationship to the point of no return. We would never be the same again. Never. Because there won't be us ever again."

He abruptly put the foot on the brakes causing Anjali to held on to the dashboard while Khushi barely escaped hitting her head behind his seat.

"Chote, what's wrong with you?" Anjali exclaimed quickly looking back to check on Khushi who nodded at her telling her she was fine.

"Your wife is pregnant. If not for anything else think about your baby at least!" Anjali barked turning her head to her brother who seemed to be lost in his own thoughts. His knuckles blanched over the steering wheel as his grip tightened around it. His jaws tightened as he reminisced everything she ever said to him about their relationship even before he forced or divorced her.

"Isn't there any chance for us?"

"You took away all of those chances." She croaked as her hand unconsciously rubbed her stomach feeling her inside churn.

He ignited the engine and pulled the car back on the road ignoring his Di's accusing stares. If only Di would understand that he wouldn't deliberately hurt the woman without whom he, himself couldn't function properly.

His eyes sought hers in the rear view mirror only to see her head turned to the other side, to the window. His stubbornness made him wary. He felt the sudden urge to force her to look at him. With great effort he restrained himself and his emotions and kept driving until they were outside RM.

Putting his palm on the horn he pressed it harder making both Anjali and Khushi flinch as the loud constant horn buzzed in their ears irritating them. They huffed in relief when the gates opened and he pulled back his hand to drive in the lane and park the car in the porch.

Before Anjali or Khushi could come out he did and pulled open the back door with his eyes drilling holes in hers as finally hazel orbs met his brown ones giving him momentary relief within.

"Come out or you want me to carry you in?" He asked calmly yet his facial expressions gave away the hardness developing in him.

Anjali came to Khushi's rescue as she came around the car to stand besides Arnav and offered Khushi her hand. Khushi jumped at the opportunity. Placing her hand in Anjali's she came out while Arnav balled his hands into fists at his sides.

"Finally!" A squeal greeted them.

Khushi stood shocked at the door seeing the family standing at the front doors as soon as Arnav pulled it open. Leading them this time was Nani on her feet not on wheel chair. It wasn't the only thing which surprised her but also the decorations as she looked beyond the entrance and saw the mansion decorated with fairy lights, balloons and roses, her favorites which were once upon a time!

Now seeing them only brought tears in her eyes and anguish in her heart as she mumbled,

"Nani ji? Ye sab? (All this?)"

"I hope you like it bitiya. There wasn't much time but still we did as much as we could to thank you for giving us such a great joy after grief of months which at one point seemed that it would never end." Devyani shifted the pooja thal on her left hand and cupped Khushi's cheek with the other in adoration and gratitude both.

"Dhanewaad Nani ji. Par iss sab ki koi zarurat nahi thi. (Thank you but there was no need for all of this)"

"Arre kyun nahi thi zaroorat? Barso baad iss ghar mai aik nanha mehmaan aane wala hai aapki wajah se. Aur hum.. hum toh par-nani banane wale hain. Hamein toh apne duhri khushi di hai. (Of course there was. After years this house is going to have a little baby just because of you. And I-I am going to be a great-grandmother. You have rewarded me with double happiness.)"

Khushi turned her head to kiss her palm before taking her hand in both of hers. Though Khushi didn't show her weakness or brokenness to Nani but everyone present there felt it and it made them all tear up feeling it more than the emotional moment Khushi and Nani shared.

Now there was no escape for Khushi from Arnav. This baby was going to bind them together, forever with or without marriage they would be connected to each other for life even if it'd be just as parents of their baby. And this, this Arnav Singh Raizada standing besides her knew very well. When it comes to her he kept himself accustomed to each and every angle of their relationship of what would lead to what consequences and he knew everything. Now he does. This time wasn't any different.

Devyani did her aarti before inviting her in.

As Khushi entered the living room the smell of the food especially jalebis hit her senses and her stomach crawled as she eyed the dishes arranged on the centre table around which colorful balloons were there on the floor.

"I have had your favorite food prepared." Devyani said cheerfully leading Khushi in. No one noticed Khushi turning uncomfortable as everyone were behind and Nani besides her looking ahead.

She pressed her fingers to her her mouth covering some of her nose too to rid of the smell but it was too much. Nausea hit her hard and before anyone could understand what was happening she was running off with her hand over her mouth.

Arnav followed her horrified.

He barged in the bathroom where she was bent over throwing up. He dropped himself behind her and held her hairs back. Rubbed her back before palming her forehead. She threw up three times before him making him worrying sick until she slumped against him with her eyelids drooping.

Everyone outside waited impatiently for her to come out as Nani held them back to let Arnav handle her as Khushi needs her 'husband' right now.

Husband? They all sneered in their heads looking at each other but had to keep quiet in front of Nani.

"I am f-fine." She whispered after a minute and got up to go to the basin to rinse her mouth. He flushed the toilet and quickly walked to her. Standing behind her with concern etched on his face he didn't move until she didn't step back from the sink splashing water on her face a few times.

When she turned she bumped into him as he was standing too close. She tried to leave from the other side but he held out his hand and gripped the basin behind her hindering her escape. She grunted feeling too weak to argue with him right now.

"You have already entered your second trimester then why are you still having morning sickness?" He tore the wipes simultaneously and dabbed them on her face softly. She didn't protest. "We need to get yourself checked. Let me prepone the appointment with," He added tossing the tissues in the bin only to be cut by her.

"I have an appointment with my doctor anyway in a few days. Don't bother. I can take care of myself and my baby." She gritted shoving him off.

"Please Khushi." He touched his head to hers breathing hard as his both hands came up to encage her against the sink. "Please. Let me help you and our baby. You need me. You both do." His one hand moved to rest on her lower back while the other slipped to her midriff and lay flat over her protruded belly.

Tears got stuck in her throat.

"I don't trust you neither with myself nor with my baby. So back off." She pushed him and ran out leaving him torn behind. He gripped the sink with both hands with his eyes raised to the mirror showing him the picture of a monster who destroyed his happiness with his own hands that now nothing he did could repair or bring the things even remotely closer to normal let alone better.

Everyone rushed to her seeing her coming out.

"Aap theek hain na bitiya? Doctor ko bulayen ka? (Are you all right or should we call for a doctor?)" Nani asked caressing her head.

"I am fine Nani ji. Just usual sickness you know. I think my baby doesn't like jalebis much so," Khushi shrugged.

Devyani smiled knowingly and her next words tore Khushi into shards.

"That means he took after his father huh?"

Khushi looked up at her Jiji and Anjali Di for help as tears welled up in her eyes. Manorama noticed the exchange and making an excuse took Nani back to her room to which Khushi gave herself the leverage to stagger back only for her back to hit the familiar chest. She closed her eyes in pain.

"Khushi you are not well." He whispered from behind without touching her. Just standing behind her as a support lest she falls. She tilted her head to look up in his eyes pleading at her to listen him.

"Let's go to the doctor. Please?" He placed his one hand on her left shoulder and the other wrapped ever so softly around her stomach. Nudging his head with hers he urged her while Khushi blinked her eyes shocked at him because for months he hasn't asked or pleaded with her like this. He has just ordered. Forced. Manipulated her. Her bruised heart only bled within her. Nothing soothed her.

Frowning she shrugged him off and looked for her sister and sister-in-law but found herself alone with him in the living room. She was about to panic when she heard him from behind.

"Don't worry. They have just gone to give us some privacy."

"Privacy?" She snapped coming out of her conflicted thoughts. "Why would they give me privacy with the man who isn't even my husband anymore?"

"I am your child's father. Never forget that." He reminded her not so subtly. His eyes blazing fire. Closing the distance between them he stood nose to nose to her with his harsh breath fanning over her face causing her stomach to twist and heart to burn.

"Aur rahi baat tumhare pati hone ya na hone ki toh isse koi farak nahi padhta k hum kisi rishte mai bandhe hon ya na hon. Tum mairi thi. Ho. Aur hamesha raho gi. Samajh mai ayi tumhe? (As far as being your husband or not is concerned it doesn't matter whether we are bound in a relation or not. You were mine. You're mine. And you'll stay so forever. Did you get that?)"

She scoffed at the end of his speech.

"So much for changing for your baby or.. for me huh Mr. Raizada?"

He stepped back and combing his hairs with his hand in frustration turned his back to her.

"Sorry." He uttered with compassion turning back to face her. "Whatever you want will happen from now on. You don't want to go to the doctor. Fine. I will get her here for you."

She looked at him incredulously. He won't get it would he? No. Never. So she let him be and walked to the stairs. Before she could even place the foot on the stairs he carried her up in his arms earning a surprised squeal from her.

"I don't want to take any chances. Let me drop you to your room."

Your room? Khushi's mind got stuck on the two words. Hence she didn't protest until they were outside the room he has locked her for days just because she has threatened him she would file for a divorce. Hah! Instead he himself filed it and gave it to her. Her wounds cut open and she started wriggling when he pushed open the door with his shoulder and walked in.

"Put me down." She choked.

"Okay. Relax." He said softly. She bit her lips to stop the wallow from erupting out. As soon as he put her down she turned to him bleary eyed.

"Get out." She growled with her face turning red with restraint.

"Khushi, will you calm-"

"No. Just get out. GO." She sobbed out. The cries bursting out of her.

"If you are scared that I'd force you to stay in the same room with me then don't be. Here in this room you can stay however you want and,"

"And go wherever I want?" She asked as a few tears rolled down her cheeks.

He averted his eyes. She chuckled dryly.

"I thought so." She sneered.

"You are free to go anywhere Khushi. You will not be locked in here I promise." He said in a small voice feeling short of words to soothe her pain. He knew that she knew she could go anywhere but to meet her family. He didn't have to spell it out for her.

"That's so generous of you. Thank you so much Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada."

"Khushi, please?" He choked not knowing for what he was pleading for. "In this phase of our life I want to be with you every step of the way but.. but because of my own stupidity.. my own doings I have lost my rights on you. I don't know about you but I'd never be able to forgive myself for that. If you would.. if only you'd just give me a chance I'd like to marry you with all the respect. This time decision will be yours. Fully and wholly." At the end all was left for him were just to fall on his knees to beg. He would've done it if she hadn't done what she did next.

She threw her head back and laughed. Hard. At the end of which she splinted into sobs falling on her knees. Blinking back the tears he crouched down to her level but kept his hands to himself.

"Kitni baar shaadi karein gay humse? Kitni baar tode gay aur phir aa k jodne ka waada karein gay? Shaadi ka rishta hamare liye bohat pavitra tha--bohat, aur apne uska bhi mazak bana k rakh diya. Har wo cheez jispe hum vishwaas karte the.. aapne, apne uss bharose ko aise toda k wo dobara phir kabhi jud nahi sakta. Kabhi nahi.

(For how many times will you marry me? How many times would you tear me apart and then promise me to put my pieces back together? Marriage was such a strong sacred bond for me and you--you have made a perfect mockery out of it. Everything which I had a firm belief on, you--you made sure to crush it into shards in such a way that it would never be whole or the same again. Never!)"

Arnav pressed his fingers to his mouth in an effort to contain his own emotions. He knew everything he did to her and he knew her anger, her accusations and her inhibitions were justified but still.. it hurts. He may have told Di he would put the broken pieces of his relation with Khushi together but now as he glanced at her he realized how difficult it would be. Not only difficult but maybe, impossible.

"Okay. Fine. FINE." He raised his voice a bit to catch her attention. Just to make her stop crying otherwise she would bury him alive by her heartrending sobs. She raised her bloodshot eyes to him before composing herself and wiped her face from the back of her hands.

"Don't give me a chance if you don't want to. Just stop crying like this."

She looked at him sarcastically. He stood up on his shaky legs as her accusing eyes were getting too unbearable for him to bear. He offered her his hand. She ignored it and got up herself.

"If you need anything," He started.

"I'd get it myself." She interjected strongly.

He swallowed thickly as she stood with her arms crossed across her chest. Feeling helpless he blurted out,

"Please. If not for yourself then for our baby at least?"

She turned her head but didn't argue on that. His Adam's apple bobbed while he clenched his hand at his back in order to resist reaching out to him. He was used to yanking her in his arms. Forcing her to do everything as per his demands and now when he has to restrain himself to earn her trust it was becoming too difficult to hold the sudden urges developing within him just to pull her closer and kiss her senseless. He turned abruptly and stormed out as blood rushed to his cheeks and eyes due to onslaught of emotions.

He stopped outside his Di's room and requesting her to take care of Khushi and make her have something to eat, he was about to storm off without waiting for her reply when he saw Payal already coming from front with a big tray of food. He looked at his Di. She nodded sternly. She hasn't forgotten how he blackmailed her to be on his side.

"Payal offered to make things which won't trigger Khushi's nausea." Anjali said curtly.

"And what are they?" He asked his sister while he saw Payal entering Khushi's room.

"Apparently your baby has taken after you so things without much sugar or spice would not make Khushi sick. So,"

"But Khushi loves sweet and spicy food." He exclaimed now concerned.

"I know." Anjali sighed. "For a bit she would like things exact opposite to what she usually does."

"But why?" He rubbed his forehead.

"Sweet, spicy or whatever are just trivial things Arnav. She has been forced to give up much more important things in this relation with you. You fussing up on what she should eat or not seems too fake. So drop it. Because I am sure food isn't even the last thing on Khushi's mind in the situation she has been for months. She still is, in fact." Anjali was blunt.

Tongue tied he stared at his sister for a few moments before turning on his heels and leaving to his room.

Shutting the door behind he leaned against it tightening his jaws.

"That bastard!" Arnav gritted."He promised me that he would take care of Preetika. That's why I gave him the job back." He mumbled to himself but Khushi heard it well and scoffed.

"Yeah. I do remember your lecture to him. I was there you know." Bitterness oozed out of her words.

"It made me wonder. How can a man advise something about marriage responsibilities to the other man when he never fulfilled any of the marriage vows himself, ever." She said sarcastically.

"DAMMIT!" He growled with his fist to his mouth.

She was so right to taunt him. He bragged about husbandly duties to Ankur as if he himself was the role model for all the husbands. He scoffed to himself mentally cursing himself. Ankur left Preetika when she was pregnant with his child without having any freaking idea what he was losing while he, Arnav Singh Raizada did the same. Without thinking of the consequences he went to extreme lengths to divorce his wife who was carrying the symbol of their love.

"Firstly, it was because of your Di that you made me suffer and now it is because of your mother that you are torturing me."

"I am wondering Mr.Raizada. Like really, really wondering if you may ask. Next time, if there is any of course, who would it be from your family for whom you'd make me a scapegoat? For Nani ji? Akash jiju? Erm Mama ji? Or Mamiji? Hmm?"

His vision blurred. Swiping a hand over his eyes he willed himself not to lose himself. Not yet. He has so much to repair. So much to mend. So much to repent.

Just that he didn't know from where to start. Strike that- he didn't know which one of his mistakes should he correct first. Which one were more bigger and which one should he put on hold to mend later?

Should he beg for her forgiveness first for forcibly marrying her the second time he did?

Or,

Should he say sorry for marrying her for revenge twice?

Or,

Should he first apologize for torturing her for months or firstly, should he apologize for keeping her encaged under his dominating control in his suffocating presence for one hundred and four days?

Or,

Should he fall on his knees and don't get up until she doesn't forgive him for forcing himself on her physically as well?

Or,

Should he mourn over their broken relationship, marriage permanently which was his doing for the fucking divorce he threw on her face?

And the list goes on and on. Never ending. But the pile only added up causing his head to buzz.

He shook his head grabbing it in both of his feeling a heavy burden settling on his chest and spreading to his whole body that he felt like his body weighing tons that took him down as he couldn't bear the weight. His knees buckled and fell to the ground.

"I don't trust you neither with myself nor with my baby."

Plethora of emotions grinded him from within as he brought his head down and dropped it on his folded knees. His shoulders shook.

"Kaise rahun ga usse door? N-Nahi. (How will I stay away from her? N-No)" He shook his head.

"Nahi reh sakta. Kuch na kuch toh karna pade ga. Kahin se bhi par shuru toh karna hi ho ga. Usse aur apne bachche ko toh kisi keemat par bhi nahi khone wala mai! Hargiz nahi! (No I can't. I have to do something. Either way I have to start from somewhere. I can't and no way in hell I'd lose her or my baby. Not a chance!)" He said to himself.

Khushi ate silently despite all the tension etched on her face.

"Khushi?" Payal called her louder this time.

"Huh?" She looked up from the empty plate she was staring at now.

"Don't stress much. Finally Arnav ji got some sense and is staying away from you. Also, he has himself let you be in the separate room. Believe me I and Akash were so worried when Di called us to tell where he has taken you this time and he has no intention of letting you go until you don't make a decision. But look here, he brought you back in just a day. Maybe it's good he found out about your pregnancy."

Khushi leaned back against the headboard rubbing her empty neck.

Knives twisted in her gut.

Just like that her parting was empty too now.

She don't belong to him anymore and even knowing that she was better off without him her heart gripped into a fist every time she sees herself in the mirror. That's why subconsciously she has refrained from looking much at the mirror ever since he divorced her and she didn't have the right to wear the things which proved her rightfully his once upon a time. That seems such a long time ago even though it were just a few days.

Khushi jerked back to present feeling her jiji wiping her face. She didn't realize she was crying.

"Khushi, please stop." Payal took her in her embrace. Resting her head on her shoulder Khushi hugged her tightly.

"Now that he knows he wants to marry me. Again. Pata nahi samajh kya rakha hai unhone shaadi k rishte ko k jab chaha jod diya aur jab chaha tod diya? Jiji hum kabhi dobara unse shaadi nahi karein gay. Kabhi bhi nahi. (I don't know what does he think marriage is that whenever he wants he makes it and whenever he pleases, break it. I will never marry him again Jiji. Never. Ever.)"

Payal rubbed her back to calm her down as she was shaking badly while Anjali standing at the door heard it all feeling scared for not only Khushi but now her niece/nephew as well.

"No matter what you'd convince Khushi to give me a chance."

"You would, Di. Because if you didn't then only you would be leaving from here while I and Khushi would leave this country forever. Not only that I'd start my search for Guptas again. Now do you want that?"

If Khushi didn't make the decision in Arnav's favor then she shuddered to even think what would he do this time around. If he took Khushi far away from here yet again then she was sure neither would she be able to save her nor anyone. Not even Khushi herself. Also, Guptas especially Garima Aunty would be in sheer trouble. God knows what he would do to her.

She twisted and untwisted her fingers while walking back to her room. Shyam ji had to leave urgently without meeting her and if he had been here she would've had some support but now she has to do everything herself.

She has to make Khushi agree somehow because she can't risk Arnav doing anything drastic or worse caging Khushi yet again in solitude. In this condition, being alone would turn disastrous for Khushi.

"I need to talk to you about your Khushi and the baby. Meet me in the hospital tomorrow Arnav."

Arnav knocked once before entering Nidhi's cabin. Nidhi stood up from the chair and came around the table to greet him with a friendly hug.

"Let's go to my on call room. There we could talk more comfortably." She said going back to her desk and pressed the bell button. Her attendant came in.

"Nisha, page me only if there is any emergency. Okay?"

"Sure Mam." She nodded and left while Nidhi taking a file from the shelf led Arnav to the on-call room.

"Have a seat." She gestured to a couch while taking one across him. Placing the file on the centre table she saw Arnav locking and unlocking his fingers with worry lines marring his forehead before he had had enough.

"Tell me already why have you called me here?" He said exasperated.

"I know you're having some differences with your wife. I figured it out when she first came here for checkup with your brother. The second time my doubt got confirmed when Khushi came to collect her reports the same day your Nani had heart attack."

"That's my,"

She interjected.

"Personal matter. I know but being Khushi's doctor in this phase I am responsible for the well-being of my patient. It's my duty to make sure my patient is free of any of the stress she is having lately and your wife, she has been having plenty of that. Look, I don't know what exactly is going on between the two of you and I won't pry either. I just want to give you an advice to clear things out with her because if the mother will be happy only then your baby will be born healthy and normal."

"That's all?" Arnav asked curtly.

"No." Nidhi took the hold of the file from the centre table and passed it to him. He took it confused but soon the creases on his forehead smoothed seeing the name on it.

"It's a copy of Khushi's reports of her first trimester."

Arnav's heartbeat stopped as he turned the pages and his breaths stopped too when he reached at the very last.

"That's her very first ultrasound." Nidhi informed.

Arnav swallowed hard as he ran his fingers over the images showing just black and white shades. He couldn't decipher or understand it. All he knew was that it was their baby's very first picture. Blinking back the tears he sniffled before shutting the file in order to compose himself. As he held it upside down gripping it tightly due to emotions raging within him, something slipped from it and fell on the floor.

He took a deep breath before picking it up. Gathering himself will all of him he looked up at Nidhi who was sitting silently giving him the time he needed to get acquainted to every information about his baby which was no matter what, his legal right.

"I recorded your baby's heartbeat."

The CD slipped from his hand and fell with a 'clink' sound on the floor again. He stood up abruptly. This was just too much at one shot. He was yet to absorb the emotions he felt seeing his child's first picture. He wasn't ready for more burst of feelings just yet. No. Not right now.

Maybe later!

He turned to leave when a thought struck him. He whirled around to face Nidhi who has stood up too.

"Why didn't you give this recording to Khushi? Or does she already have copies of the ultrasound and my baby's heartbeat?" He choked at the end.

Nidhi walked to the other side of the table and picking up the CD placed it back in the file avoiding answering his question.

"Nidhi, I asked you something. Answer me? Does Khushi have them already or not?"

"No. She doesn't." Nidhi exclaimed.

"Why not? Question still remains."

"You need to be stress-free too in order to keep her so. Let it be Arnav." Nidhi tried to make him understand.

"When did she had her first ultrasound?"

That she could answer. Nidhi thought.

"The day she came to collect her reports."

"When Nani was admitted here the same day like you said and you knew I was here still you didn't tell me?" He gritted. "What kind of a friend does that?" He accused feeling anguished like never before.

"Khushi wasn't in the condition to face you or tell you at all. You don't know how I stopped her to-" She mentally kicked herself for the slip of her tongue.

"To, what?" Alarm bells rang in his head. "TO WHAT NIDHI. TELL ME. AND THIS IS MY ORDER AS THE OWNER OF THIS HOSPITAL NOT AS YOUR FRIEND OR KHUSHI'S HUSBAND."

Nidhi exhaled.

"Arnav I handled it. I called Akash that day and he made Khushi understand."

His frown deepened.

"Akash? Why did you call him and not me? Khushi is my wife and this," He pointed to the file. "Is MY baby." He pointed to himself. "I had the very first right to be informed if something was the matter. I didn't expect this from you! Now would you speak up already?"

"Arnav," She looked in full mood to refuse him.

"Nidhi, THE TRUTH!" He warned with his eyes spitting fire.

Nidhi shook her head. He pressed his lips together. His jaws tightened.

"If you didnt tell me what happened that day then I'd sue this hospital and your career too and I swear on my Khushi and the baby I'd definitely do it."

Nidhis eyes widened and her shoulders sagged.

"She--she wanted to abort the baby." She whispered but it buzzed in his head from every corner of the room like a drum. He held his head with both his hands and pressed his palms on both sides as the ache churned his insides.

He staggered back when Nidhi explained in detail what happened that day. He held the couch for support just in time to prevent his fall with his head hung low as reality hit him hard and so did the burning pain seeping in every pore of his being.

After a minute Nidhi saw with disbelief that agony vanished from his face. Puffed in air as he raised his head up. There she saw he has become the same cold ASR again. His brisk expressions said it all.

He extended his hand with his other hand stuffed in the pocket. She forwarded the file to him. Snatching it he passed her a piercing glared before storming off.

"She--she wanted to abort the baby."

"She--she wanted to abort the baby."

"She--she wanted to abort the baby."

Driving rashly breaking every traffic rule he stopped only when he was outside RM. Breathing rashly he gripped the steering wheel before dropping his head on it.

"She wanted me to give her earliest appointment or do it that day only immediately. I tried to make her understand but she didn't listen. She was so afraid that if you got to know that you are going to kill it already."

"I want to know what did she say. Her exact words." He pressed his head harder to ward off the buzzing.

His knuckles blanched over the steering wheel while he pushed himself back from it and sat against the seat with his head thrown back showing the inner turmoil he was going through.

"I don't want this baby. I am asking you to get me rid of it but you are offering me water and nothing else. Give me a date, an appointment whenever you could do it and I would be here on that day. I promise!" She said frantically grabbing her hands.

"Why a man's consent is needed for a woman always?" Khushi exclaimed with a sob.

"Didn't I tell you that he would kill it if he got to know!" Khushi gritted sternly.

"You aren't the only doctor in this city are you? Anyways, I have learnt a very good lesson from my very husband Arnav Singh Raizada. K paisa kuch bhi kar sakta hai. Jis k pass paisa hai, uss k pass taqat hai aur taqat se insan kuch bhi hasil kar sakta hai. Kuch bhi!(That whoever has the money, has the power and with that authority, a man can get anything. Anything!)" Khushi turned to leave giving her a pointed look.

"I have forgotten what is it like to be happy anyways so let it be that way. Let me pine, let me graze my heart with some more pain, some more hurt." Khushi was blunt.

"That's what he wants. That's what he would get. It might quench his thirst for revenge.It might..It might give him some relief that yes, I am suffering and eventually it will hurt my mother whom he hates so.. much." A lone tear rolled down her cheek..

"Help me please. Help me get rid of it before he gets to know. He will destroy us both if he did. Jiju, please?"

Dropping his head back on the wheel he hit his head in sheer agitation several times until his head spun and a bump formed on his forehead.

Getting down he entered the mansion staggering and throwing the keys to Mohan barged in full mood to confront Khushi but at the last moment instead of Khushi he stormed in his Di's room.

Anjali's eyes widened seeing his condition.

"What did you do to yourself?" She exclaimed rushing to him and pressing her palm over the bump on his forehead. "How did this happen? Did you get into an accident? Why do you drive when you know you can't drive smoothly when you're having a difficult time of your life." She blew air on his head after making him sit on the bed and stood in front of him cupping the side of his cheek.

"You have to convince her to marry me. I want all of my rights back on her." Were his first words.

His eyes had something which scared Anjali. The red hue of guilt and pain and hurt lining the chocolate brown orbs made her worried.

Did he do something with Khushi again?

Only that could bring such strong reaction out of him.

She was in full mood to barge out and look for Khushi when he stepped in her way.

"What is it?" Something was terribly wrong.

"She doesn't want the b-baby." The words burst out of him. "She w-wants to a-abort it." He cried out falling on his knees before her. His head dropped down and his shoulders sagged in defeat.

Anjali closed her eyes. So he got to know. But at that time situation was something else and now it was a lot different. He has to understand that. That was the decision Khushi made in a spur of a moment, in her vulnerability.

"She hates me so much that she doesn't want to keep anything related with me. She was even ready to get rid of our baby to break her ties with me. Completely." He croaked sniffling.

Anjali placed her hand on his head. He threw his arms around her. Placed his head on her stomach he burst into heart wrenching sobs cutting Anjali into pieces. However he was, he was her Chote. Her younger brother. No matter what she couldn't see him breaking down like this.

She made him stand up and sit back on the bed. He sniffled before gazing at the floor with his eyes turning bloodshot, his hand interlinked and his body stiffened.

"Firstly, correct yourself. She doesn't 'want' to abort. She 'wanted' it because the news was so sudden and unexpected for her in the circumstances she was, is tied in. Now she doesn't." Anjali started and his head shot to hers.

"What makes you think that now she wants the baby? Maybe she is thinking of it just a responsibility as a mother to bring the child into this world." He said hoarsely. A hand clawed his heart.

"Yes, responsibilty could be a part of it but no, that's not the only reason which changed her mind."

He looked at her with confusion.

"What else, did change her perspective?" He asked holding his breaths.

"Love. Which she once felt for you. You have torn her apart and crushed all of the feelings she has ever had for you. With all the little pieces now, she wants to cherish the only thing you gave her without any conditions. She wants to shower all of that love on her baby which unfortunately she couldn't show you at all because of you. If not you then maybe a piece of you would get her unconditional love."

As Anjali finished Arnav stood up with his nostrils flared.

"What she feels for me is only mine. I didn't give her the right to give others what's mine to feel!"

Anjali looked at him incredulously without blinking.

"Little or not, she will love me with all of her broken pieces." He gritted. "Aur rahi baat hamare baby ki toh mujhe pyaar dene k baad jo b bachche ga wo bhale wo hamare bachche par luta de. Par jo maira hai wo bas maira hai! Uss par na toh kisi aur ka haq hai na hamare bachche ka! (As far as our baby is concerned, after giving me love whatever is left she could shower it on the child. But what's mine would always be mine! And on that I won't tolerate anyone's unnecessary claiming. Not even my baby's)"

Anjali shook her head frustrated. He was feeling so possessive already of sharing Khushi with his baby who wasn't even born yet. What would happen when he/she would actually be here and Khushi would get busy nurturing the child?

"You are being ridiculous!" She stood before him with her arms crossed.

He glared at her.

"I am dead serious."

"Let me be blunt. I guess you didn't listen me well. I said she once 'loved' you. Now like you said, she hates you. Toh un ka pyaar bantne ka toh sawal hi paida nahi hota. Toh unka jo kuch bhi hai wo un k bachche ka ho ga. Sirf aur sirf nanhe mehman ka! (So her dividing love in between you and the baby is surely out of question. Whatever love she has in her will be solely and wholly be for the tiny life she is nourishing inside of her)"

His face contorted in pain so blunt and so palpable that she could feel it in the atmosphere. Anjali sighed inwardly for finally putting him in place when he fell short of words.

He turned on his heels to leave.

"Chote?" Anjali called him from behind.

He stopped but didn't turn to her.

"Don't overdo everything. Neither hate nor love. Try to keep a balance in between. If not for yourself or Khushi then please for the little one who is going to come in this world in a few months. Will you?"

She saw him clenching his hands into fists. Apart from that he didn't show any reaction neither did he turn but scurried off without replying.

Arnav's phone beeped and he stopped in the middle of the corridor. Taking deep breaths he composed himself and looked at his cell. A message popped up on the screen caught his attention which glued his feet to the floor. It was from Anjali.

'Try not to become another Arvind Malik to give birth to another Arnav Singh Raizada. TRY not to be our father. JUST TRY. Please. Because if you didn't then when your child grew up he would hate you the same way you hate our father. Will you be able to live with yourself then?'

Breaths left him in a whoosh. A lava bursted inside of him, the heat of which burned him from within.

His steps felt heavier when he tried to move forward. Air became so thick and suffocating that standing there wasn't a choice either. Forcing himself to drag his feet every step he reached his car and sat in like a defeated man swallowing thickly. His vision blurred with unshed tears. Blinking his eyes rapidly he cleared his vision before starting the car.

It's better to work rather than stay at home. Khushi already doesn't want to see his face so what would he do anyway in RM other than pining to be with her. Were his thoughts when he pulled the car out of the mansion but as soon as his eyes fell on the file, 'Khushi's reports' placed on the passenger seat everything came crushing back taking a major toll on him.

Gasping for breaths he drove off with his eyes blazing fire and jaws clenched.

That day AR employees saw the real ASR back which he was an year ago. His attitude made a blasting come back. The title 'fashion monster' which media gave him in his ways of dealing with business and workers which suited him aptly before came back in their minds as did in his stance. The last year he may have changed but now, he was back along with all of his cruelness.

That day, he fired fifty workers on spot just for trivial mistakes and everyone were steering clear of his path lest they had to bear his lashing and the termination letter thrown on their faces as well.

Even Aman wasn't able to calm the situation down as Arnav refused to listen any of his logical explanations.

"ASR, how would we be able to hire fifty workers in such a short span. It will delay our work too. Please try to understand." Aman all but pleaded. He didn't have any other choice.

"Leave me alone Aman. And do as you are told. Don't tell me what to do." Arnav was stern and brisk leaning back on his chair while Aman stood across the table wiping the sweat forming on his forehead.

Aman then schooled his expressions and tried the one last tactic which he knew could make ASR fire him too but he had to do something urgently lest ASR ruin AR in his extreme angry mode.

"You're mixing your personal and professional life. Something which you never did till date. That way not only will you ruin yourself but also many employees life who work under you. Whose life depend on you and AR."

Arnav's head shot up to him in vengeance. Aman lowered his eyes now shivering on his place.

"GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE."

Everyone in the AR heard his bellow and shuddered scared looking at each other terrified of what's wrong with ASR that he has become worse than he ever was even when he was in his worst mood?

Aman scurried off but as soon as he stepped out of his cabin not only him but the whole AR heard the several crashes on the ground which fell like an earthquake on their heads.

They looked at Aman for help but he shook his head telling them he was helpless here himself.

Taking a deep breath Aman dialed the only person who could now handle this wounded lion named Arnav Singh Raizada because he had an idea who has brought the great ASR to this position.

Khushi Singh Raizada!

Only she could stop him from ruining everything he built with so much hard work over the years. Employees won't know but Aman does that ASR wasn't angry but hurt by heart. A heart which his workers right now were proclaiming he doesn't possess. At all.

Ironic much wasn't it?!

Here Aman tried to reach Khushi and there in the cabin Arnav thought to himself.

Was there any other man in this world who was as stupid as he himself was for ruining every happiness in his own life with his own hands?

The answer came in the form of a person entering his cabin without knocking.

His jaws clenched as he heard footsteps approaching his table.

"AMAN I SAID," He raised his head and surprisingly stopped right there. His mouth which was opened to shout more, closed itself as he slumped against his leather chair. As right there the perfect example of that 'stupid' man was standing who himself let go of his happines because he couldn't put his wife above his family.

Looking at his face, he realized like him, he has reached to the brim of his patience as well otherwise at this time when all of his workers were staying past his radar he wouldn't have made the mistake to come to the lion's den. 

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PRECAP:

Khushi saw him struggle through his anger as he tried to compose himself.

"Dam-"

"Don't curse!" Came a whisper through his ear.

He pursed his lips hard and Khushi felt her heart going out to him as she literally saw his face turning red yet neither did he scream at her nor did he curse. Giving her a last angry stare coupled with helplessness he stormed off.    

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For your convenience and mine too(like I mentioned in PLAD) I am giving a target for this update. As soon as its achieved next part will be up in a week. Not only in this I'll follow it in my other stories too. So if you want your favorite story to be updated first then just vote and comment fast ;)

Target: 550 Votes (This is just to give the choice in your hands to decide which of my story should have quick and regular updates)

This is the first half of whole chapter 15. Major twist coming up in the next chapter ;)

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