As the stretcher was rolled away amidst the family cries, he stood there numb looking at the face of the person as the paramedics drove her away.The woman he has cherished with all his heart.For whom he went to the end of this world to make an empire.To give her a luxurious life she deserved, she always had.To give her amputated leg an alternative.To get so much money that even before she open her mouth, he would grant her, her wishes.He had gone beyond his approach to do all this for her.

And...and all had led to this.

This?

As the cries and sobs of his family grew profound, he restlessly moved a step back, then took another...then another...another...until he was out of the corridor.

"Anjali bitiya!!!"Nani's cries mingled with Akash, Mama, Mami reached his ears vaguely but he didn't know how to react.

At all.

So he ran away.

Literally

Moving past many people, nurses , patients, bumping into them, stumbling and took a sharp turn as he saw the media just outside the hospital.Taking the back door, he rushed out the road towards his car and drove off hurriedly.

His eyes caught the side of his face in the back view mirror and he saw his eyes red, face wet with tears.No wonder the passerby in the hospital were giving him sympathizing looks.But he was Arnav Singh Raizada wasn't he? He don't need pity dammit. He never would.He rubbed his face away of the tears even though more came out as he drove with one hand wiping his tears from the back of his other hand.

Sobs racked through his body and by the time, he reached a secluded road, pavement he couldn't hold himself more and let out a howled cry putting his foot on the brakes.The car stopped with a jerk as his head hit the steering wheel due to its impact.He hit his head on the steering wheel several times after that to prevent himself from feeling the pain of loss.He would prefer physical pain then this invisible one cracking him, crumbling him into pieces.

Everything suddenly seam meaningless.

The woman for whom he was living his life till now .. was gone. Truly gone. Gone where he would never be able to reach or...or he could.A sudden abrupt thought clicked him.

That brought an immense calmness in him.

Yes, he would join her.

He could join her.

He should join her.

There was nothing left here for him anymore. Not anymore.

Nothing...

He vaguely heard the shrill ringing of his cellphone as he started the car with determination.His eyes focusing on the giant tree at the far end of this secluded road.

He knew what he had to do.

TWO HOURS EARLIER

"Chote! Chote! Please! Can't you do this much for your Di?"Anjali pouted.

"That's not fair Di."He said irritated.

"Please, please, please."She made a cute face.

Arnav chuckled, his irritation vanished.His Di behave like a child herself most of the time.

"Okay. Fine. You won."

"I will always win.I know how much you love me."

That made him a bit emotional.

"Why wouldn't I love you Di? You are the only one left for me in this world.The only person for whom I am alive."He cupped the side of her cheek.

"Yeah, yeah but tell me honestly.Am I the only one?"Anjali asked with her tongue in cheek.

He knew to whom she was referring to.

After all she is his Di.She would know when his heart would change for someone and that someone was her.

Khushi

During Akash and Payal's pre-wedding rituals, they have come closer.After the wedding, they have developed a sense of familiarity between each other and that made him feel serene.He hadn't spoken of his feelings to Khushi yet but in their hearts, they both knew what they both feel for the other.Or so he thought.But he was planning to tell her soon.

"Knock, knock.Somebody there?"

Anjali waved her hand in front of his face chuckling.

He passed her a reprimanding look which obviously couldn't stop his sister from teasing him.After all she has caught him day dreaming at her question.

"Bolte kahe nahi ho Arnav bitwa.Kon hai wo?(Why don't you speak up.Who is she?)"

Anjali asked innocently.

"I am getting late for office Di."

He turned but a smile tugged at his lips.

"Hamare marne se pehle bta dena humein.(Do tell me before I die.)"

Arnav whirled around to face her stumped and hurt at her words.

"Di.."He choked.

Anjali who was just joking trying to make him blurt out saw his torn expressions.

"Chote I didn't mean..I.."

He hugged her fiercely.

"Nothing will happen to you.You are not leaving me ever.Do you get it?"He said emotionally that her eyes teared up too.

"I get it. I get it.Sorry."

She cupped his face pulling back from the hug.

He kissed her hands.

"Don't ever talk like that again Di. Please. Agar apko kuch ho gaya toh mai...(If something were to happen to you then I...)"

"Shh" She croaked.

"Its okay.I am here.I am not going anywhere."

"Promise?"

"Promise!"

They shared a hug and parted.

"Don't forget to bring what I asked you okay?"

He nodded and left but not before kissing her forehead.

At that time they both didn't know , he didn't know, he was seeing his sister alive and breathing...for the last time.

Shyam was observing the closeness between Arnav and Khushi during Akash marriage and even after it and it would fill him with piercing rage. Now that Anjali was pregnant, his hands were bound again. Khushi ji has threatened him to look after Anjali otherwise she would tell everyone about his leech nature. He was scared somewhat yes. So he has agreed as he didn't want to lose his money bank.But seeing Arnav Khushi getting closer and in a comfortable camaraderie he couldn't bear it.

So he has decided.That limping creature along with her defected baby can go to hell and he had sent them to hell the very next day of his planning right after Arnav left for office. He was witnessing the brother-sister bonding.Too bad, it would be their last conversation together.

Shyam often saw Arnav giving him dangerous glares whenever he looked at Khushi.It made him wonder whether Khushi ji has told him but then he shrugged it off thinking if she had, he wouldn't have let him stay with his sister.Still, he felt like he was always being watched which he shrugged off thinking it an illusion.

He didn't had to do much. He went and infused a bomb below the car which Anjali used when she has to go out and silently went to office setting it's time.Calling Anjali, he very sweetly asked her to come to his office and she as per his plan sat in the same car below which the bomb was ticking with only ten minutes left for it to blow.

Mohan started the car.

Shyam's heart galloped as he talked to Anjali noting the time in his wrist watch.He has asked Anjali not to cut the call and keep talking to him.He wanted to be sure his plan worked.She was excitedly talking to him blabbering about her baby, his/her upcoming birth and their blissful life when his gaze landed on the watch.Ten seconds to go.

"I am sorry Rani Sahiba. I don't love you.I never did. I love her though.Very much. For her to become mine. You have to go."

"Shyamji..what.." She couldn't complete as he heard it the next moment.

*BOOM*

He smirked.

Finally he was free.Now Khushi ji has to become his. He would make the circumstances for her to have no one but him to look upon.

Now he has to bring out the next plan of action. Part one has run smoothly.

Now part two.

Final move.

He ran out of his office screaming.Calling Arnav on his mobile, he frantically told him about the deafening noise he heard.

Arnav has went pale.

They both reached the spot at the same time.

Arnav's hand shook as he saw the state of the car and crowd gathered around it.

Screaming for his Di, he walked in the crowd only to find two burnt bodies dragged out of the car.

He fell on his knees in shock as he saw the chain around the neck of a body which made him recognize her.

No. No. This can't be happening to him. No. No. He shook his head and was about to move to the body when paramedics stopped him.

He screamed, he begged, he pushed, he cried but no one let him touch his sister.

"SHE IS MY SISTER DAMMIT. I NEED TO TAKE HER TO THE DOCTOR. CAN'T YOU SEE HOW MUCH HURT SHE IS. SHE IS BURNT. SHE MUST BE IN PAIN.WHY DON'T YOU TAKE HER TO THE HOSPITAL???SHE HAS TO BE SAVED DAMMIT. She is pregnant.She is...she ..is...my ..life.She is my..D-Di."

"MR.RAIZADA!!!! SHE IS DEAD! DEAD.NO ONE CAN DO ANYTHING NOW.NO ONE" The constable shrieked pulling him at an arm's length.

Arnav punched him in response.

"Just an hour ago she promised me she won't ever leave me. She WON'T!! Do you get it"

The officer could understand his predicament. He was in denial. So he made him sit in the ambulance along with his sister's body and told him that yes they're taking her to the hospital. Shyam silently sat besides him putting on a shocked and crying face tried to console him.

But Arnav wasn't present in this world.He was long gone into shock and denial and was gazing at his sister's dead body with dried eyes.

A hand clawed his heart.

"You promised di. You promised.You can't do this to me. You can't leave me like Maa.. Di please, mai akela rhe jaon ga(I will be alone) Please di." He whispered to her touching her head lightly which was soaked with her dried blood.

But she wasn't listening. She didn't even when Nani came and shook her, not when Akash came and shouted at her, not even when Mama, Mami begged her to wake up for the sake of them. She didn't. Not even when a silent plea left him as her stretcher was pulled away from his face.

She was silent. More than she has ever been.

She was gone. This was more than he could ever take.

And for him. The world ended there.

Or so he thought.

PRESENT

Don't you dare leave me ever you Laad governor

Accelerating the car, he was moving with highest speed with his tears blurring his vision when a voice forced him to put his foot on the brakes.But the car was already at the highest speed, stopping it, handling it was becoming difficult.It moved side to side and jerked to a stop just an inch away from the giant tree.

"Kh..Khushi.."He choked.Shaking with tremors he took his cell and whimpered rubbing his eyes as it was her number only flashing on the screen.

Taking it up, he rasped.

"K..K.Khushi.."

She was sobbing on the other side.

"She is no more Khushi.. She is no more..."He burst into sobs.

"It was him Arnavji. Its him who did this.He killed her and his baby."

His cries came to a abrupt halt.

"Who?"

"Shyam. I came to the hospital and heard him talking to someone on the phone.He was laughing Arnav ji."

His hands clenched.

"Shyam.."

"I thought he would change. I am sorry Arnav ji I thought he would atleast now be a better husband to his pregnant wife but he..killed his child as well."

"Just...to get you." He mumbled vengefully.

Arnav understood everything clearly.The feeling of loss doubled over now coupled with anger, boiling rage.

"Arnav ji.." he heard her shocked voice."You do know I never encouraged him. I told you everything about him even before jiji's marriage...I never meant this to happen.I am so sorry."

"Your sorry won't bring me back my Di."

A coldness has swept over him.

"Arnav ji listen to me..Come back to the hospital.Stay with your family at this time. I am worried for you.Please. Let me come to you or come here.You shouldn't stay alone at this time.Or Please tell me where you are, I will come for you.You need to.."

But he cut the call and reversed the car on the route of the hospital.He knew what he had to do.What he should've done long ago.Only if he hasn't been too emotional about his feelings.He could've controlled this.Saved his Di but he couldn't.Now everyone who are even little bit responsible for her death would get their due punishment and that includes him too.

Shyam thought that he didn't know anything about him.Yeah, he made him feel that even though Khushi has told him everything about his treacherous plans to trap Gupta and get Khushi the day before Akash and Payal's engagement.

He was angry with her obviously and didn't talk to her for the whole day even though she tried to explain in various ways how she was worried for his Di and how she panicked about the broken mangalsutra when she came to tell her about Shyam.

She guiltily accepted about one of the other reason.That she didn't want her jiji's marriage to break the second time.But ever since Shyam's advancing has increased, she knew she had to tell someone especially him and she had confided in him despite knowing he won't believe her not even at the first call.

She gave him proofs.

She took him to her neighbours and showing Shyam's picture asked them who he was.

Vimla Chachi has looked at her as if she has gone crazy.She has said that don't you remember Kushi, he was your fiance who later turned out to be married and you broke your engagement.The other neighbours gave pretty same reasons.

He called Aman and asked him to hire a PI agent because he wanted to be sure.PI gave the same facts with more details so Arnav had to believe her.After the marriage he decided to tell his Di but found out about her pregnancy.

His and Khushi's relationship turned into one of the friendship almost you could say that if you would exclude the desires which they both felt every now and then.They way she confided in him even though she knew he could break her sister's marriage this time too has made him soften more towards her.Has made his believe in her too strong at that.

He started spending time with her, messaging and texting became a norm as did the frequent meetings at the cafe whenever he got free time.He was getting carefree again like he was when he was a child.She made him feel happy, she made him laugh, she made him angry, she made him crave for her.To conclude,she made him feel.

Both the families were well aware of their meetings but neither of them directly asked either of them.

In that feeling, he didn't know when he became so ignorant towards his Di.Not that he neglected her.He just got less time to spend with her in an enthusiasm to spend more time with Khushi.His Di knew that's why she never complained.But he did one day.He said sorry to which she said,

"Chote, this is normal.You shouldn't feel guilty.Even I neglect you sometimes when it comes to Shyam ji.Life changes when you get someone in your life."

"But my life will never change.No one would ever be more important for me than you.No one."He indirectly gave her the hint that yes there was someone.

His Di has smiled and only hugged him saying "I know."

If only he had paid more attention to Shyam's matter.Hadn't take it lightly then all this wouldn't have happened.Hiring some men to keep an eye on Shyam wasn't enough.He had to keep his eyes and ears open too because Shyam lived at the home, hired men couldn't keep an eye on him inside the mansion obviously.He knew he had done it at home otherwise his men would've caught him if he did this outside the house.

He reached the hospital with a new found determination.He won't cry not until he punish the culprits.

He entered the ward where his whole family was seated including the Guptas. Even her.

All rushed to him and the first one who reached him was Khushi.

Despite his resolve, his heart felt a sudden calm seeing her before him.He wanted to hug her and cry on her shoulders and never let her go but that would prove him selfish.His Di deserve justice not his selfishness.This time he won't let emotions rule him.He won't let this girl rule him anymore.

The next moment she was hugging him and sobbing on his chest.His hands clenched at his sides.Hearing her cries, all the others started crying again.He didn't console her neither made a move to hug her back.

She was crying as if she was shedding tears of his grief too and her every cry would relief some of the heaviness from his chest but still the ache stayed there, pain stayed there, anguish stayed there.

"Cry Arnav ji. Why don't you cry? Your Di is gone. You have to cry."She shook him and he pushed her away harshly bringing a silence in the corridor because his push was so hard that she hit her head on the wall.

"Stay away from me!" he said shooting daggers at her.Khushi looked at him shocked.She wasn't angry at him because she knew what he was going through, she was hell worried for him.

"Arnav ji.."

"Don't you dare take my name from that filthy mouth of yours."

Shiver of fear and hurt ran down her spine.

She stepped forward, concern written all over her face.She placed her hand on his cheek when he twisted that hand of hers making her wince.All stood up stumped.

"I SAID STAY AWAY!"He said in her ear from behind.His gaze fell on Shyam right at that time when the bastard's lips form a smirk.

Shyam made a weird face to cover it up.

Arnav took Khushi's hand and dragged her to where Shyam was standing.

"You wanted to have her.Here.She is yours"

He pushed Khushi away to him.A chill ran down Khushi's spine.

She went pale.

Shyam caught her and smirked inwardly.

"Take her away and do whatever you want to do with her. I don't care."His words were directed to Shyam but his eyes were fastened on her.

Earth crashed upon Khushi's head.

"How can you...say this Arnav ji?"She walked to him pushing Shyam away.

She cleared her throat.

"I know you are hurt, I know you don't mean this. I won't be angry on you.When you will calm down then we will talk."

"I MEAN IT KHUSHI KUMARI GUPTA!"He shouted on her face.

"How can you .. I... I ... love you Arnavji."She choked stroking his cheeks confessing her love in words for the first time.

He thrashed her hands away furiously.

"Whatever love I had for anyone died with the woman who was my sister."

His red, bloodshot eyes gave her a fright.

"I know...I know how you are feeling..I am here...I will always be here for you.Please.Please.Look at me Arnavji"

She pleaded when he turned his face away from hers as she started sobbing.

"Bhai...We have got the permission to take Di home.Its...time to perform her last rituals."Akash interrupted knowing his Bhai must be feeling so much hurt that he was saying these things.Its better to intervene than to let the situation out of control.

Giving one last glare to a crying Khushi, he nodded at Akash.

"Everyone will come except her."He pointed at Khushi.

"Arnav ji please. Let me come.You need me.What did I do wrong that you are doing this?" Khushi caught his hand and begged resting her head on his arm.He shrugged her away.

He caught her neck in a tight grip."All this is happening because of you.Don't you get it?!"He pressed her neck causing her to choke, her face started turning red with pain and suffocation when Akash and Manohar pulled Arnav away as Raizadas and Gupta ladies started yelling to him to leave Khushi otherwise she would die.

"She won't come there. I promise bitwa. Let her go."Garima pleaded.

"She better don't!"He warned before storming off.

As he burned her body placed on the woods, every feeling inside him died and was burnt with her.Everything died with her.His softness, his carefree nature, his love, his desires, his hope.Everything.One thing which shined in his eyes was the fire to avenge her.Avenge he did piece by piece.

Garima and Madhumati shrieked and pleaded as the very next day he came up to GH and dragged Khushi with him.Worried, Garima called Akash while she and Buaji followed Arnav's car.Akash didn't has to rush over as when he reached the door to go, he found Arnav's car stopping at the parking lot and behind it an auto stopped.

Arnav dragged Khushi inside the mansion with worried Akash, Garima and Madhumati following behind.

"Arnav ji. Tell me please. What wrong did I do? Why are you being like this? Don't do this. I can't bear hate in your eyes for me. Whatever you think I did, forgive me for it.Don't hurt yourself like this.I know you must be hurting too while doing this to me. Don't do this Arnavji . Let me in."

Manohar, Manorama, Payal, Nani stood up shocked seeing Arnav dragging Khushi.

"SHYAM! SHYAM!"

Shyam came down quite intrigued.The things were happening his way and he couldn't be more happier.Arnav himself offered Khushi to him.What more could he ask? He thought coming down keeping a poker face even though he was jumping in joy from inside.

"I told you to take her and go away!"

Khushi stared at him dumbfounded.

"Arnav ji you know how much a bas***d he is.You would give your Khushi to him? You can't do this.He killed Anjali ji.He should be punished."

A gasp escaped everyone and Khushi narrated everything to the rest of the Raizadas which she has already told Arnav.About Shyam betrayal and how he killed Anjali.

"She is lying Arnav. She told me to do all this so that we both could be together."Shyam said seeing the suspicion and hatred in everyone's eyes for him.

"Khushi is right. Shyam's a cheat."Payal and her family sided with her.

"They are her family Akash, Arnav, Nani. They would only support her.Afterall they are all gold diggers.Payal trapped Akash and now Khushi wants to trap Arnav by confessing fake feelings."

"I am not lying. I LOVE HIM!"

Khushi screeched before turning to Arnav who was all the time looking at Shyam.

"Arnavji tell everyone that, that Shyam is lying. I myself gave you proofs didn't I? Look at me Arnavji.Look at me.Tell everyone he is lying.You got proofs from your PI as well.Show them.Tell them that all I said is true.Tell them that you love me too.I know you do."She caught his lapels lightly shaking him.

"Shyam is right."

Arnav's three words brought a halt to her pleadings as she stared up at him shocked.He said them looking at his Nani, Mama and Mami.

She stepped away from him in a jerk.

"You didn't say that."She asked in disbelief.

He turned away from her clenching his hands.

"She trapped Shyam, She seduced him and then plotted with him to kill Di."

Akash looked at Khushi angrily."Bhai...why didn't you tell us this before?"

"Because she was trying her way with me too.I got carried away.Now I know better."

"Then we should call the police and get them arrested."Akash threw daggers at Khushi.

Garima, Buaji, Payal were too shocked to react as they stared at Arnav horrified.

"No. That won't be needed.Let them go. Shyam and Khushi wanted to be together.They will get that."

Taking Khushi's elbow, he gave her a hard push towards Shyam while Khushi stared at Arnav's face with so much pain that cries left Garima and Buaji.

"Take her and go away you both. If I saw you again then I will get you both arrested and I mean it."

"No Bhai, you can't let them go this easily. I.."

"Akash. Its my order."

"Khushi don't have to go with him. She will come with us.Her family.We won't let that leech anywhere near her whether you believe us or not about his betrayal."Garima spoke and Madhumati sided with her.

"Fine take her with you. If she didn't go with Shyam then she will go to jail.Choice is yours.Chose.You have 30 seconds and your time starts now."

"I would prefer going to jail."Khushi said determined looking into his eyes.He averted his eyes.

"WHY ARE YOU LOOKING AWAY MR.RAIZADA? LOOK AT ME AND CALL THE POLICE! I WILL GO WITH THEM AND WOULD ACCEPT THIS CRIME WITHOUT A SECOND THOUGHT!"She bellowed as her mother, sister and Buaji cried.

Raizadas stood silently not knowing whom to believe and support.Arnav would never lie, they knew so they kept quiet.

"Bitwa, I beg you. Don't do this to her. You know her for a while now, she would never do this."

"I have proofs."Arnav said calmly now straight away looking at Khushi.

Khushi died thousands deaths by his piercing cold gaze.

"Then why don't you get me arrested?"She came up to him and punched her fists on his chest pushing him away.

He swallowed looking at her sobbing form.

"You are punishing me because I love you?"She sobbed out resting her head on his chin."Don't.Please.Don't send me away from you Arnav ji.Punish me if you want but let me be with you."

"Akash, listen to me. Shyam did this. I am sure he did this.My sister could never ..."Payal went up to Akash for help.

"You would always support her even though you know I lost my sister because of yours."Akash said sternly dashing her hopes.He would only believe his elder brother in this matter like she believed her sister.That's where the distance came.

"Shyam, if I didn't see you out of this house in the next 10 minutes with this girl then I would definitely call the police."

Scared Shyam came up to Khushi and tried to pry her off Arnav but Khushi pushed him away.

"I would never go with him Arnav ji. You can't send your Khushi with this murderer.You can't do this to me."She grasped his collar and shook him sobbing.

"You need me after Anjali Di. You are left with no one of yours.Don't do this to yourself. Don't do this to .. me.Please.Please"She hiccuped.

He shoved her away making her look up at him with excruciating pain.

"Whoever was mine .. is gone. I don't know what you are talking about. Go with Shyam or go to hell.f**k him or f**k anyone else, I don't care.Just get the hell out of my sight!"

Khushi swallowed with her heart in her mouth.

"No I won't go anywhere else.You want me to go with him? You want me to punish me for no mistake of mine? You want to punish me because I love you? Then fine, I will take it.I will go and live with him.I won't stop whatever he will do to me. I want to see for how long will you tolerate me with this murderer.I want to see how much you loathe me.I want to see how much more heartless would you become!"

She said looking into his eyes.He stared back with the same ferocious glint.

"Best of Luck with your life then."He said and she fell on her knees not being able to take this much coldness from him.She caught his wrist as he turned to go.

"Arnavji. At least let me stay a day or two. You need me."

A huge lump formed in his throat.

"You are the reason she is not with me Khushi Kumari Gupta.You will only remind me that with your face.You better get lost."

Suddenly it dawned on her.

"You are doing this because you know he did this to ... get me?"She laughed mirthlessly.

"How can you now be with the girl because of whom your sister was murdered by her husband.Isn't it?"She stood up blocking his way.

He kept silent not looking at her.

"Fine. Push me away. But he deserve to be punished.Why are you letting him go free? Put him in jail and if you want put me behind bars as well.Don't let him go this easily.Don't let him win."

"No one will get away that easily."

He growled.

"Your time will be over Shyam after a minute."He said to Shyam but his eyes remained locked to hers reminding him about the dead line of ten minutes.

"Goodbye Arnavji."She whispered as she walked around him to walk out with Shyam besides her in amidst her family cries and pleading behind asking her to stop, begging Arnav to stop her.But he kept standing at the same place.

When she reached the door, she turned around and her gaze got locked to his.A whimper left her with the thought of never seeing him again while he looked at her face with hate and coldness breaking her from within.She mouthed I love you before walking out of the door..Out of his life.

He turned around and walked up to his room and closed the door behind and leaned against it.

He had no right to punish her for the sin of others.Her fault was simple as she said.

She loves him and for some reason, he loved her too.

He can't be selfish to be with the girl who was the reason for which his sister was dead.He would never be able to look himself in the mirror if she stayed around him.His conscience was rebuking him again and again.Only if she hadn't entered in their life.All this wouldn't have happened.His emotions which he thought were dead wouldn't have ruled him and he wouldn't have lost his sister.Lost her in the way he would never get her back, never.

He rubbed his chest.He thought his feelings died with his Di but then why his heart was aching badly?

He felt a cold metal on his finger.Looking down at his shirt, his gaze fell on the bracelet caught in between the buttons.Must have gotten out of her hand while she was punching him, gripping him, shaking him.

Tugging it out of his shirt.He brought it up to his face and swallowed.

"Bolte kahe nahi ho Arnav bitwa.Kon hai wo?(Why don't you speak up.Who is she?)"Anjali asked innocently.

"I am getting late for office Di."He turned but a smile tugged at his lips.

"Hamare marne se pehle bta dena humein.(Do tell me before I die.)"

"I couldn't tell you di. Now I won't ever see her.Because of her, you are not with me.Just because of her."

"Don't.Please.Don't send me away from you Arnav ji.Punish me if you want but let me be with you."

"You were wrong Khushi. I didn't punish you because you love me.I did it because I love you.It is to punish me not you."

Finally a tear rolled down his cheek as he clutched the bracelet that he himself once gifted to her.

He was true to his words, he didn't let Shyam get away that easily.He didn't let Khushi get away either.Khushi was forced to marry Shyam by him only.He arranged all that and saw with his cold eyes as she sobbed while taking the pheras.He clenched his fists at his back.Shyam was over the moon but he didn't know what was awaiting him.

Arnav saw Shyam changing from a leech to a good husband.He got every detail of his activities.How he was taking care of Khushi.How he was happy.How much he was over the moon.He has even left all of his bad deeds which he did when he was married to his sister.He was now a dedicated husband.His greed for money has vanished as if it never existed.It amazed him.

Why didn't he change for his sister?

What did she ever lack?

What did Khushi have that she changed the men like Shyam and Arnav?

What is it in her that two men fell hopelessly for her and would do anything to impress her?

As the amazement vanished, loathe and hate took over.Only if she hasn't come in between his Di and Shyam then maybe, maybe he would've stayed the same way with his Di and he wouldn't have lost her(Anjali).

Arnav got the news of her pregnancy three months later by the men whom he has hired to keep an eye on Khushi and Shyam.

"You want me to go with him? You want me to punish me for no mistake of mine? You want to punish me because I love you? Then fine, I will take it.I will go and live with him.I won't stop whatever he will do to me. I want to see for how long will you tolerate me with this murderer.I want to see how much you loathe me.I want to see how much more heartless would you become!"

He closed his eyes as they pricked with tears.

Now is the time to burst Shyam Manohar Jha's bubble of happiness.

He got up, got his car keys and drove off to the apartment where Shyam and Khushi lived now a days.

He knew whatever he was going to do would prove him nothing less than that Shyam who destroyed Anjali to the point of death but he had to do this.Shyam deserved to be punished and so did she.

The door was opened by none other than Khushi.

She gasped looking at him.He pushed her aside and stepped in.

"Where is your husband?"

"Khushi ji who is at the door?"

"Come in. Sit." Shyam said awkwardly.

"Cut the crap Shyam. I am here for an important favor."

"What is it?"

"I heard that you are going to be a father."

The rush of excitement that passed through Shyam's face was easily noticed by Arnav while Khushi stood there numb. Too shocked to react or say anything seeing him after so long.

"Yeah. Its great feeling."

"Wasn't it great when my Di was pregnant?"

Shyam looked guilty for a moment before composing himself.

"I have left the past behind Arnav. I know I did a huge mistake but still you let me go and forgave me. I will be forever grateful to you for that."

"Just so you know Shyam. I never left the past behind. I never said I forgave you either."

"Then why didn't you send me to jail? Why did you let me marry Khushi ji?"

"For this moment."

"Huh?"

"Won't you entertain me with something to eat or drink? Is this the way to welcome a guest in your home Shyam?"

"I... Sit. Please. Have a seat." Shyam said confused.

Arnav sat and Shyam gestured Khushi to bring something who went to the kitchen silently. She has upheld her words. She never denied anything. Whether it was her or her body. She would silently do and say as per his likes not because she has started to feel for him but she has said this to Arnav that she would.

"I will make the tea if you don't mind?" Arnav dragged the trolley towards him and made the three cups while telling them about his business progress. Shyam and Khushi both couldn't decipher the purpose of his visit. He passed the cups to them and taking his started sipping.

"Drink .. I don't make the tea that bad you see."

More confused than ever Shyam and Khushi started drinking tea.

Once they finished. Shyam asked cautiously.

"Arnav . What are you here for?"

"Its fulfilled for whatever I am here for." He relaxed back on the seat."You look quite happy Shyam. I see you've changed."

Shyam looked at him with narrowed eyes.

"What have you done?"

Khushi placed the cup back on the table.Shyam's sixth sense alerted him at this. His head then shot up to Arnav's in horror. He was smirking.

"No. No. No. Khushiji. We need to go to the hospital immediately."Shyam took Khushi's hand frantically with sweat beads forming on his forehead.

Arnav leaned back more on the sofa watching him amused.

"Easy there Shyam. I see you have actually changed." He laughed.

Khushi looked from Shyam to Arnav confused.

"Will someone tell me what the hell is happening here?" She asked shrugging off Shyam's hand.

"He mixed abortion pills in your tea Khushi ji. Our baby."

Khushi wasn't looking at Shyam but Arnav. He was calmly sitting there enjoying all this.

"You did all that for this? You knew he would change being with me? This was your punishment for him? With every word her voice turned smaller and smaller. You are sick Arnavji. What was the fault of this innocent baby? If today IT is there inside me that's because of you only.How can you?"

"It takes two to tango Khushi. You do have a part in this along with your husband Shyam."He said very calmly.

A wave of pain hit Khushi. She cried out falling on her knees.Shyam looked torn.

He ran to the door and struggled with the latch. It wasn't budging.

"Save your energy Shyam. It won't open until I call my men."

Khushi's cries grew profound.

"Arnav you love her.How can you see her in pain.Please.Please.Ask your men to open the door. Please. See she is in pain." Shyam begged with folded hands before Arnav.

Arnav laughed loudly.

"Wow Khushi. I am amazed. How have you changed this badass? He is begging for you.See." He addressed Khushi who was sitting on the floor clutching her tummy doubling with pain.

"I have a condition Shyam. I will take her to the hospital although it will be very late.Your baby is gone already."

Shyam's eyes wondered to Khushi and seeing the blood he ran to her horrified.

"I will do whatever it takes. Just make her pain go away."Shyam cried out.

"That's better."

Arnav dialed a number. "Open the door and take him away."

The door opened.

Two constables walked in along with Arnav's men.

"You will accept your crimes which you did with Anjali Raizada and also that you killed your own baby."

"I did not killed my baby. I did not." Shyam shrieked now looking out of his senses." Please don't take me away from Khushi ji. I cannot live without her. Please let me live with her. I will become your slave if you asked. I promise. Please."

Arnav laughed so hard that tears came out of his eyes.

"This nature doesn't suits you Shyam. Once again Khushi. Hats off for changing him. Now you listen Shyam Jha. Go to jail and accept the crimes I mentioned or I will leave this beloved Khushi ji here bleeding. You won't be able to take her to hospital. She can die you see."

Shyam's eyes went to Khushi who was now on the verge of unconsciousness.

He nodded bending his head.He was handcuffed and taken away.His men walked out and a doctor walked in.

Arnav walked to the Khushi who was whimpering with pain and carried her up in his arms. His heart suddenly felt too much heavy. He has used this girl as a bait to get revenge from the murderer of his sister. She has solely paid the price because she loved him...

"I loved you. But not more than her." He said in his heart as he placed her on the bed and left the room to let the doctor check her.

His gaze fell on the blood on the floor where she was writhing just a minute ago and his heart clenched rending him from within as if he wasn't already.

He don't know about her.

But he would never be able to forgive himself for what he did with her.

Sounds of footsteps broke his wretched thoughts.

Doctor has come out.

"She will be fine.." She said.

"Physically." She added after a minute looking into his eyes.

He knew what it meant.

"I have changed her dress.Make sure she eats something when she wakes up. Fruits and juice would be good."

He nodded grimly.She left then.

He didn't had the courage to step into the room and look at her.

He called Payal and asked her to come over here. He knew he won't be welcomed when she would wake up. And her health would deteriorate if she didn't eat after waking up.

Payal first of all gave him an earful for even daring to go to her sister and then asked what has he done now to her? He has simply told her what he did and before she could curse him some more, he cut the line knowing she must be rushing over already.

Akash and Payal were now living separately because of the obvious reasons.Akash believed him more and Payal would herself knew the truth loathed him(Arnav) for lying to them all and forcing Khushi to marrying Shyam.Not that she didn't try stopping Khushi, Garima aunty did, Buaji did but the girl was adamant.

Maybe she wanted to punish him in her own way so she married Shyam sobbing all along the rituals looking at him accusingly hoping that he would melt any minute but she was wrong.He didn't even spare her a stare except for few cold ones which shattered her soul.Everything was falling apart and he was responsible for it all more than one ways.But he didn't regret any decisions except for the one.

He wanted to avenge his Di by putting Shyam in the same situation a his Di and make him feel how it is felt to lose all the happiness in one moment.He did make him feel that and he would do it again.But using Khushi as a bait was something he would regret all his life.Even in that case he didn't has an option.Khushi was Shyam's weakness and he used it to the fullest without caring of her feelings, without caring of his own feelings for that matter.He has become that heartless.He would give her the reasons some day if she asked.Which he knew wasn't going to happen ever.

The door which wasn't locked bursted open and Payal walked in fuming in anger.

"Don't think you will get away with everything.Shyam killed your sister and her child.You did the same.Only the difference is that you killed the person you love for your revenge.Shyam never loved Di but you loved her."Payal choked and left to Khushi's room.

Pursing his lips, he gulped.The walls closed in on him and he choked with emotions.Emotions which he thought died with his Di.

From where they were coming back now?

The case has started.Shyam accepted his crimes looking longingly at Khushi sitting in the audience.He told the judge that he killed his first wife and child and he killed his second wife's baby as well.For the former allegations, there were enough proofs but for latter, none.

Arnav's eyes settled on Khushi who was sitting silently with lost eyes and he knew what he had to do to get the witness of this crime.

The court hearing was postponed for a week.

"You will tell the judge that Shyam forced you to take those tablets."He ordered her as she come out of the court after the hearing.

She didn't even look at him.

"I am already living a farce life because of you. I don't want to add more lies into it."

"He deserves to get worse punishment.He killed two innocent people."

"And what you did?"

He looked away.

"That was necessary."

"Yeah everything was necessary. Pushing me away was necessary.Cutting me into piece was necessary.Forcing me to marry Shyam was necessary.Forcing me to stay with him was necessary.Forcing me to let him touch me was necessary and then...killing an innocent baby was necessary wasn't it Mr.Great Raizada?"She choked out loud with tears rolling down her cheeks gathering attention of the passerbys.Payal walked to her side and glared at Arnav.

"Leave her alone.You have done enough." She warned him.

"You will give the statement Khushi. For Di. For me."

"Which statement?" Payal asked confused.

"That Shyam killed her baby. The court wants proofs, witnesses.They will get that in her."Arnav spoke calmly.

Khushi lurched forward at him.And pushed him away again, again and punched her fists on his chest, slapped his face various times sobbing.

"I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU!" She said at her every slap or punch.

Neither Payal nor Arnav stopped her.Neither Akash did or Mami or Mamaji or even Nani.Everyone had tears in their eyes.

Arnav has told the Raizadas all he did after Shyam was arrested and how he lied about Khushi being involved with Shyam.They asked questions and questions of why he did all that.He could've easily got Shyam arrested and punished then why did he involve Khushi and punished her too? He didn't answer any of it.

Akash was more pissed off and disappointed.He trusted his Bhai and he lost his wife because of that.Payal was right all along.Now he couldn't do anything as it was too late.

Payal caught Khushi in her arms pushing Arnav away as he tried to grab Khushi's arms as she was about to fall on the ground due to onslaught of emotions.

"She won't give any false statement."

Payal has recorded the call which Arnav made to her and has told her how he aborted Khushi's baby.

She sent it to Arnav right away.

Arnav's eyes didn't lose the calm even after hearing it.

"Before giving this to the court ask your sister. Will she be able to see me in jail? Or she will add more crimes to Shyam's list to give him an imprisonment from where he would never come out?"

Payal looked helplessly at her sister.

She knew what Khushi's answer would be.

Khushi freed her hands from Payal and moved closer to Arnav.

"This will be the last favor I will be doing for you. I have done enough in the name of my love."

"So you are saying you don't love me anymore?"There was so much proudness, so much confidence in his eyes that Khushi couldn't speak.

"No, I am saying that I won't owe you my love anymore."

The confidence vanished and strained, tired eyes looked down at her.

"Not even when I will need your love?"

She swallowed as tears clogged her throat.

She didn't reply.She couldn't.She turned to her sister and walked away along with her family.

Payal gave Akash a cold stare who was walking to join her and that stare stopped him in his way besides Arnav.

"You didn't do right Bhai. You did so wrong. You punished everyone for the death of Di even though only Shyam deserved that torture."Akash said to him and left with the family leaving him standing all alone even in the hordes of people passing by.

Khushi gave the statement against Shyam.

Shyam looked devastated.Still he didn't defend himself.Arnav was smirking at him.Judge announced a life long punishment for Shyam with penal servitude.

Khushi stayed put in her seat when Shyam demanded to meet her one last time but she denied and constables had to drag a pleading and crying Shyam away who looked on the verge of losing his sanity.

"Good riddance."

Arnav said out loud.

Khushi gave him a piercing glare.He stopped right there.

Payal stepped in between him and Khushi as he moved to her.

"Your game is over.Now stay away from her."

"Its okay jiji. I am not afraid of him."

The court room was now empty except for these two families.

Both the families watched with concern as Khushi stepped forward.

Placing his hands in his pockets, he said.

"Now I have had what I wanted.Shyam in jail, Shyam in pain,real pain.I can think of OUR future."

"Don't you dare say that!"She warned.

He stepped one more step forward towards her lean figure.

"We can be together now that everything is sorted out.Isn't it a brilliant idea?What do you say?"

"This."She said and a slap landed right across his cheek.

"You are no better than him. You deserve to be in jail as much as he did."She spitted out the words on his face.

"But you would never have sent me there."He said with utmost calmness."Because you love me Khushi Kumari Gupta.Despite of all, despite of everything."

Another slap landed on his other cheek.

"I hate you. I hate you. Do you get that?"

She shook him through his collars.

"And I would hate you for the rest of my life...for doing this to me...for making me marry him...for making me...his bed mate...And you know what, you would stay with this guilt all your life that you punished me for no mistake of mine.That you gave me to the man who killed your Di.That you gave me to the man who never deserved me.You would stay with these thoughts in your mind that how I lived three months with a man who killed your sister.He wanted to have his way with me after killing Anjali ji and you let him.YOU LET HIM!"

His face contorted in pain at her every word.She was sobbing and so was her jiji, her mother, her Buaji and her Babuji. Even Mami and Nani.Akash and Mamaji's eyes weren't dry either.

"LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA! Why aren't you meeting my eyes? Look at me.."She cupped his jaws and pulled his face to hers.

His dry eyes met her swollen ones.

"You will stay alive with these last words of mine."She cleared her throat to dislodge the lump."You never had me but he had...not once but.."He placed his palm over her mouth.

"Don't."He ordered sternly.

She struggled to remove his hand but he kept it there angrily glaring at her.

"Don't you dare say it.I would kill him if you did.Then in the place of him, I would serve life time imprisonment."He growled with a warning.

Akash pushed him away from her.Khushi breathed.

"Be a man enough to hear what you did but you aren't.You are a coward."She said and left with her family.

That's when he let the corner of his eyes mist up until the tears formed on the verge of falling out as her words ringed in his ears.

You never had me but he had...not once...but..

That pause, the unsaid words, unspoken details didn't need to be said.He knew and he had felt his heart die every day with it the past three months until he was left with nothing but a bleeding heart with blotches of pain, hurt, anguish and heartbreak all which was inflicted on him by himself.

That's how a man who hates loses his everything!

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