Part 3

Amma don't kill me....Amma don't kill me.....Khushi looked around at the source of voice to locate anyone.....frantically looking around she heard soft baby giggle which soon turned out into loud cry, tearing her heart.....you killed me Amma....you killed me.....why you killed me?.....Khushi closing her ears not able to take the voice woke up shouting.......

Looking around with wild eyes she started crying, Arnav too had woke up hearing her scream and hugged her....Khushi 'I killed my baby...killed my baby...'

Arnav hugged her tight, rubbing her back 'hush Khushi....shhhh don't think this way...you are not at fault....please....'

Rocking her in his arms he patted her back to sleep consoling her telling soothing words in her ear. Making her sleep he watched her with unfathomable pain.

Few days later, Arnav sat beside Khushi taking her hand in his caressing them.....Khushi sat still not acknowledging him.....it pained him lot to see her like this....always they had felt each other but today and from past few days she is deep buried somewhere in the dark abys where he is not able to get through her.

Arnav 'Khushi!!! What are you doing?'

Khushi looked back at him, her eyes all blank then looked up at the starry sky in the night.....Khushi 'don't know'

Arnav swallowed, how to bring her back?......Khushi 'can....I...can I ask you something?'

Arnav nodded at her.....Khushi 'please let me go'

His breathe stopped listening to her words....No he could not afford that....he cannot let her go......how will he live without her.....he cupped her face, turning her to himself fully.....his eyes desperately searching her which is all distant and blank, no emotions....his voice hoarse, choked with emotions 'why? Please no....I cannot live without you.....please Khushi....give me any punishment....hit me, slap me, punch me,kill me but never let go of me.....I need you....please....I need you'

Khushi 'why now? There is nothing left.....I'm destroyed....and I don't want to live....'

Arnav cut her in, cradling her face 'No...No....please.....I'll die if you leave me......please no.....*trying to reach her*....please I beg you.....don't leave me....don't......it will be better if you kill me with your own hand rather than leaving me'

A small gasp left her, her eyes wide.....Arnav hugged her, keeping her head on his chest 'did you hear that?....that is my heart.....My Heart which beats for you....Only You.....always have and always will......and if you will go away it will stop beating......I know I have no forgiveness for what I did to you, to the girl I love.....but please I'm selfish enough to not leave you....I just can't live without you.....Arnav will cease to exit if Khushi is not in his life' they sat in silence.....Khushi listening to his heart beat......few minutes later Arnav looked down to see Khushi has fallen asleep.....lifting her he took her inside their room, lieing her down on the bed he covered her with blanket.....looked at her face for long time before kissing her forehead 'My Love'

It had been more than one month to that fateful day; Khushi had shut herself more into her shell not allowing anyone to peek in. Her guiltiness of killing her baby making her lose her sane of mind most of the time, she did not look at anyone, did not mingle with anyone; month before they all, her and his family abandoned her for the mistake of not hers and now she abandoned everyone.

Arnav felt loss of not knowing what to do to bring her back. He is cursing every minute of his life for hurting an innocent soul.

Khushi had not even looked at his Di's daughter of one week, she refused bluntly to see any of them and Arnav could never force her for something she is not willing to. He had at least managed to stop Khushi leaving him after six months again tying knot with her in the presence of DeviMaya and their family. No one knew the reason for their second marriage and is consoled with the explanation given by Arnav saying he wants to re-marry Khushi since he did wrong in eloping and taking her dreams away along with crushing all family members to see their marriage happen in front of their eyes.

Arnav had then felt hope Khushi would at least try to be back like herself but no improvement in her, she is still all aloof and cold with everyone. She does every duty of wife for him but never had he seen the twinkle in her eyes like before. Arnav showered her with his care and love trying to gain her trust back with her love for him but he still feels cold and distant from her side, he did not step towards having any physical intimacy between them not wanting to rush into anything, this time everything will happen according to her wish, only hug and peck on cheek, forehead is enough for him now. Her presence in his life is enough for him. Period!!!

Arnav entered inside his room, looking over at Khushi who is placing ironed clothes in the closet. Arnav 'Khushi!!!'

Khushi turned to him 'Ji!!!'

Arnav 'woh Di's daughter baby naming ceremony is kept tomorrow and I....I....'

Khushi's eyes darkened, Arnav gulping 'all want you to attend the function'

She turned around and started keeping the clothes inside again. Arnav came closer to her, clutching her shoulder he turned her around. He cupped her face 'I know what you feel Khushi? And I'm in no less but we need to move on'

Khushi stubbornly looked down, he put his finger under her chin making her look at him 'please Khushi for this once please....what will others think if you being Di's brothers wife will not attend the function?'

Khushi 'should I?'

Arnav 'yes Khushi I don't want others to think badly about my wife'

Khushi grimaced, Arnav 'please!!!'

Khushi nodded at him, Arnav hugged her 'Thank You Jaan, I'll select your saree and jewellery for the function' Arnav looked at her fallen face, his heart lurched at the pain in her eyes, he himself is burning in agony at the loss of their baby, one misunderstanding caused their unborn baby's life.

He hugged her back 'everything will be fine Khushi, I'm here with you' Khushi taking deep breathe hugged him back. He doesn't know how to bring his Khushi back from her guilt and shell she built herself around. How to make her understand about the fault is solely his and not hers, because of him she took such a drastic step? How should he make everything alright? Whichever route he takes meets dead end? He doesn't know what he should do to make her alive again. He is dying every minute seeing her dead as live.

Nani 'will Khushi bitiya agree to attend the function?'

Payal smiling sadly 'don't worry Dadi, Arnavji said he will convince her, you know na she will listen to his words'

Anjali looking her child 'but he was unable to bring her to visit me and my daughter in hospital, even after we both came home she did not come to look at us'

Nani 'bitiya she is going through tough time in her life, understand her state too'

Maami 'What state sasuma? She herself gone ahead and abort her child, did we asked her to do so? How can she do that even without letting us know anything?'

Maami!!! Roared a voice, Maami looked behind her in fear, Arnav strode towards them 'it was not her fault if someone to be fault than it is me, and I don't want anyone to discuss about this matter anymore'

Anjali 'but Chotte what you did that she took such a drastic step?'

Arnav grimaced 'is everything ready for the function Nani?' Anjali kept quite knowing well there will be no answer she will get for her questions, there were too many questions, doubt on Raizadas mind but no one dared to ask Arnav and if they did there will be no answer from him.

Nani 'everything is ready chotte, all done....Chotte, Khushi bitiya?'

Arnav smiling little 'she will attend the function Nani' Nani smiled at him, he turned to go back, Anjali 'Chotte you hardly spend time with me and my daughter'

Arnav looked down at her 'sorry Di but Khushi is alone in our room, please. But I'll later spend some time with you' nodding at him sadly she looked at her baby. Arnav feeling a tug went towards his room to his wife, he knows he is unable to give his Di, his family his time but all is worth because Khushi has only him and he cannot disappoint or hurt her further.

Baby ceremony day, Khushi looked around her, all are happy, yet she felt empty inside her, no emotions she felt. She sat at the corner of the hall alone. Gupta's came to her, buaji 'bitiya how are you?'

Khushi looking up at them 'fine'

Garima 'why are you sitting here all alone? Come with us'

Khushi 'no...I'm fine'

'Buaji I'm with her. You all go, meet Di and her baby' Arnav came and stood beside Khushi, keeping his hand on her shoulder, patting her head. Nodding at him Guptas went towards Raizada family after looking at Khushi once.

Arnav turned his head towards her 'Khushi, are you okay?'

Khushi nodding at him 'yes'

Arnav 'will you not go there? Pooja is going to start'

Khushi started shaking her head negatively, Arnav 'it is okay we will both be here' Khushi startled looked at him 'but....no let us go'

Arnav 'are you sure?'

Khushi nodded at him, he gave her his hand and made her stand up, both went and joined others, pooja started and ended well; the baby's name was kept as Aastha by Anjali.

Guest left after wishing baby and Anjali, everyone were huddled in living room cuddling the baby.

Shyam 'Rani Sahiba our Rajkumari is so beautiful just like you' Khushi felt her anger coursing through her veins hearing his sickening voice.

Nani 'haan Damaadji aap sahi kehat rahe'

Maami 'hello hi bye bye let me play with Aastha bitiya'

Shyam 'ye lijiye maamiji par dhyan se'

Maami 'huh? I know how to hold the baby Damaadji' all guffawed at her annoyed face. Khushi was going leave the place for her room when she stopped short listening to the disgusting man addressing her.

Shyam looking at Khushi 'Khushi ji will you not hold my daughter'

Arnav fisted his hands, Khushi's breathe ragged. Anjali and others stopped laughing hearing his words. Khushi already in her guilt, disappointment, and sorrow all emerged in one, felt anger coursing to an extent which blinded her sense. She took a glass vase beside her and hit Shyam on his head. All shocked stood up shouting, Anjali came forward towards them, Maami moved back with baby lest the baby gets hurt.

Arnav stopped Khushi pulling her away from Shyam whom she was again going to attack on, going to stab him with the broken vase, his forehead already cut open with blood dripping out.

Khushi shouted like a demon possessed 'leave me.....leave me....he is the reason for everything happened with me....he is the reason for my life got destroyed...he is the reason I lost everything today......he is the reason my child is not with me today....I'll kill him....leave me....that monster should not live alive in this world anymore....because of him my baby died....I'll kill him today....' Arnav carried a shouting and wailing Khushi in his arms towards their room.

Anjali crying took Shyam to hospital giving first aid at home for stopping the blood. Raizadas still reeling on shock to see Khushi almost killing Shyam, Payal rooted to her spot listening to Khushi's word. Is Shyam the reason why she aborted her child? Her head spinning with the question. Nani slumped down dejected at the turn of event. Maami trying to console the crying baby who got startled at the loud noise.

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Part 4

As soon as Arnav set her down on the floor inside their room, Khushi pushed him hard before trying to rush out. Arnav 'Khushi stop...what are you doing?'

Khushi heard nothing, all she could feel is to kill Shyam Manohar Jha 'leave me...I've to kill him....my baby....I killed my baby because of him...leave me....' she started pushing him becoming aggressive to handle.

Khushi 'why are you not allowing me to kill him....he should die....he is the reason for my pain.....he is the reason why you misunderstood me....he is the reason why you hated me....he is the reason why my child is no more....he is the reason for every wrong in my life....let me go....I'll end his life once and for all.....I'll kill him'

Arnav not able to control her done what he thought best off he slapped her hard, she fainted due to shock and the heavy slap in his arms who clutching her close to him cried holding on to her like a dear life. I'm Sorry Khushi!!!!

Anjali 'Doctor how is he?'

Doctor 'the cut was not deep, only two three stitches needed, so everything is fine. I'll give you prescription of gel and tablet to give him for his wound and pain' Anjali nodded at her.

Shyam wincing in pain supported by Akash came inside the cabin after putting the injection specified by doctor.

Anjali thanked the doctor and got up to leave with Shyam and Akash.

In car, Akash while driving and Anjali sitting beside Shyam at the back seat of the car shedding her tears to see her husband in pain. Shyam consoling her 'Shhh Rani Sahiba I'm fine'

Anjali 'how can you be fine? You are hurt'

Shyam shaking his head 'what wrong did I said to Khushiji that she tried to kill me?' Anjali and Akash sole attention got his one line. Shyam 'I think she is losing her sanity, she needs treatment, she is not able to cope up with the loss of her child.' Clutching Anjali's hand 'Rani Sahiba today she attacked me what if tomorrow she attacked on anyone else. What about our Rajkumari?'

Anjali eyes wide with fear and pale face looked at him, Shyam 'I'm noticing for month now, she is not the same girl, she has lost it completely, having fit of breaking things, attacking on others even Sale Sahab'

Akash and Anjali pondered on his words, while he grinned evilly looking at them.

That night, Except Khushi all are in family room. Anjali 'Chotte Khushi needs treatment'

Arnav looked at her shocked 'Di, she is fine'

Anjali 'Fine? We all know how fine she is...Chotte today she tried to kill my husband. Did you forget what happened in front of your eyes?'

Maami 'Arnav bitwa Anjali bitiya is right'

Payal 'Di Khushi is fine...she is just upset...'

Maami 'Khoon bhari taang you shut up'

Akash and Nani looked on not knowing what to say, they cannot support Anjali nor can hurt Arnav. Arnav 'why are you asking her to keep quiet, she is right, my Khushi is fine'

Anjali cried 'Chotte try to understand, today she tried to kill my husband....what if tomorrow she harm others...and * scared* what about Aastha? What if she hurt my daughter' Arnav looked at her with disbelief.

Maami 'aur nahiin toh kaa she had become mad'

Arnav shouted at the top of his voice 'BAS!!! No more word against my wife.'

Anjali shouted back at him, fear for her husband and daughter clouding her mind 'your shouting will not change anything, Maami is right she has become mad'

Arnav dangerously 'not one more word Di *he looked at Nani, Akash and Payal* do you also think my Khushi is not fine? *Payal nodded negatively supporting him, but Akash and Nani stood confused on whom to support*'

Arnav smiling sadly 'okay then if you all are having problem with Khushi being here than I'm leaving this house with my wife' everyone stood shock....Shyam who was enjoying the fight till now did not liked the fact of Khushi leaving the house, he just wanted to create a scene in painting doubt against Khushi's behaviour to tear apart the siblings knowing well Arnav will not let Khushi go anywhere but this....he did not expected the table to turn around.....Shaym 'Sale Sahab you cannot leave your sister and go'

Arnav turning towards him grits his teeth almost ready to punch him 'why not? She has everyone but for my Khushi she has only me, and I'll be always with her' turning around to walk to his room and then stopped looking at his sister 'but she is not wrong Di, you asked me why did she abort our baby then the truth is it is all because of your husband, your husband is no saint Di' he walked out leaving behind shocked Anjali who uttered 'he is supporting his wife'

Payal on the other hand got shocked with Arnav's word, now she has confirmed it is all because of Shyam Khushi aborted her baby and if Arnavji is telling this means he knows the truth of Shyam, she reeled in shock sat on the sofa paling.

Arnav entered his room; walking towards sleeping Khushi he caressed her hair, getting on his side he pulled her towards himself, placing her head in the crook of his neck hugging her to himself he cried, not knowing how to face this situation. His Khushi too is not with him; patting her head he buried his face in her hair.

Khushi stirred in her sleep, opening her foggy eyes she looked at Arnav 'what happen?'

Arnav shaking his head croaked 'nothing...sleep Khushi' she snuggled more into his warmth, holding his neck went back to sleep forgetting what happened earlier in the afternoon.

Next morning, Khushi opened her eyes, she looked around, and looking at Arnav dumping their clothes in suitcase got up in confused manner. Arnav looking at her smiled 'Good morning Khushi'

Khushi looked at the suitcase, the clothes in his hand and him. Arnav putting the clothes inside the suitcase came to her, holding her hand 'Khushi we are leaving this house'

Wide eye she looked at him 'why?'

Arnav 'I...I thought it will be good if we stay alone' Khushi looked at him suspicious.

Khushi 'Why suddenly?' She racked her brain when it dawned on her attack on Shyam. Gasping she spoke 'so all wants me to go away from this house'

Arnav hugging her 'Shhh no one said anything, I wanted to go out of this house, to stay away from everyone for some time' then cupping her face 'you don't have problem, do you?'

Khushi looking at his hopeful eyes nodded, Arnav giving a kiss on her forehead 'thank you, now go freshen up we will leave after our breakfast' Khushi nodding at him went inside bathroom to get ready for the day ahead.

Both Arnav and Khushi left the house with helpless Nani, Payal and Akash with annoyed Maami and angry Anjali looking on. Travelling through Delhi road about a half an hour they came to stop in front of a tall building.

Arnav turned to her 'I own a flat here, come'

Arnav and Khushi went inside the building taking the help of lift reached the floor where their flat is, both standing outside the door for Arnav to open it.

Stepping inside the flat they walked through the corridor to reach living room. Showing her the the flat. 

Arnav hugging her sideways asked 'so how do you like our new home?'

Khushi 'it is nice and beautiful'

Arnav 'Good you liked it, from now on we are going to live here' Khushi nodded at him.

Arnav 'yes Aman, I'll be working from home for some days; yeah yes yes...Akash will handle everything in office, if any emergency or need my immediate attention call me or else don't...and I mean it don't disturb me'

Aman 'yes sir'

Arnav cut the call and turned back to see Khushi standing with his black coffee, he walked towards her, taking the cup of coffee from her hand, made her sit on the couch and sat beside her. Arnav taking a sip 'hmmm superb, Khushi you have magic in your hands'

Khushi smiled slightly at him, Arnav having completed drinking his coffee laid his head on her lap, taking her hands 'I've decided to work from home some days'

Khushi nodded at him, Arnav looked at her caressing her cheek. Arnav 'do you need anything?'

Khushi nodding a no looked at him, Arnav 'hmmm shall we go out for lunch or order our lunch here?'

Khushi 'I...I...I want to cook'

Arnav 'you sure?'

Khushi 'yes'

Arnav 'okay, have you checked the ingredients. I had asked Aman to fill the stock full, or do you need anything to purchase?'

Khushi 'no, everything is there' Arnav nodded at her. Khushi 'Shall I? Shall I go prepare our lunch?'

Arnav got up; cupping her face pecking her on her cheek lingering there some seconds he let her go.

At night, Raizada Mansion, no one felt good on being Arnav left the house expect Shyam who is happy for Arnav leaving the house but he did not want Khushi to leave too.

Akash 'how can bhai leave house like this? Can't he see Di needs him?'

Payal 'Why Akash? Khushi too needs him and for Di we are here along with *gritting her teeth* her husband'

Akash 'don't talk about Khushiji Payal, she had crossed all the limits, we understand that it was our fault not to accept her when she got married to bhai that way, but then everything was coming to normal, what was the need to go and abort her child? Did not even informed bhai? How could have he felt? Even then he is supporting her, and top to it what did she do yesterday? She attacked on jijaji blaming him for her fault'

Payal highly pissed off hearing him blaming her sister retorted 'don't think your jijaji is all good man Akash'

Akash turned to her shocked, hearing the tone and words, Payal 'yes, he is not good man, good husband to your Di like you all think. When Khushi blamed him I had my doubt on him but when Arnavji himself blamed Shyamji my doubts confirmed that he is the reason behind Khushi aborting her child, all along he is the reason from the start'

Akash 'Payal do you know what you are saying?'

Payal 'I know I know very well I'm pointing my finger on the oh so good son in law of this house, but the truth is he is cheater and lair who came to live in our house as paying guest stating he is single and orphan.'

Akash shocked stuttered 'wha...what?'

Payal 'yes he is the same Shyam who was engaged to Khushi' she started narrating Arnav realising the video clip of Khushi falling on his arms in the fashion show, thugs manhandling her when Shyam entered the picture saving her and how he had convinced buaji portraying himself as bachelor and orphan got into their home as paying guest with promising to help buaji get her pension money. How he had won over buaji and amma's heart and showed himself to be a good guy for Khushi. How babuji had a stroke and buaji forced Khushi to get engaged to Shyam. How Khushi came to know of his true color when she came for pooja here in Shantivan invited by Anjali? How after slapping him she throw the ring on his face? How Khushi next day tried to tell Anjali about his truth and how she could not tell because Anjali's mangalsutra broke and she became hysteric. She could not hurt Anjali telling about her cheat husband and came back home dejected. How Amma not wanting her marriage to get broke again begged Khushi to not tell your family anything taking promise from her and Khushi? How they all hid the truth for Anjali's sake?

Akash shocked could not believe his ears. Payal 'we should have told you all the truth, we thought after going to be a father he would have changed but we all are wrong, he is still harassing Khushi, I and my family don't even know about this even after I'm living in the same house. Now I can be sure it is all because of Shyam Khushi done something she would have never done in her nightmare.*slumping down on the floor beside bed post* I failed as a sister, I did not realise her pain and pushed her hard away when she needed me, if only I had not got angry with her I would have got to know of Shyam's deed and would have saved my sister from this pain *looking at Akash* and Arnavji too knows his true colour if not why would he support Khushi after seeing her attacking on his beloved sister's husband, he would have handed her over to police or put her in mental asylum like all wanted but he did nothing instead supported because he knows Khushi is innocent'

Akash 'this can't be'

Payal 'this is the truth, accept it or not, truth will not change. You can ask Arnavji, my family or is that not enough can even talk to Laxmi Nagar people they all know him living in our house and was engaged to Khushi before the abrupt cancel of proposal from our end'

Akash went out not able to withstand the truth; Payal collapsed crying clutching the bed.

Days passed over with Arnav and Khushi had settled well in their new home, she is quite happy to be at new place and Arnav is content to see her relaxed face, a little glow coming in her now.

On the other side Akash had been brooding over the truth over a week now, he had talked with Gupta's who first were reluctant to tell him the truth but later had to spill it and even Happyji and other people in Laxmi Nagar vouched for the truth of Gutpa's story. Now all he wants to talk with his brother not wasting a minute he made a call to Arnav.

Arnav looking at the caller id got confused on sudden call from Akash at this late hour of night. Arnav getting up from the bed looking over at sleeping Khushi came out of room not to disturb her sleep, Arnav attending the call 'Akash?'

Akash 'bhai I want to meet you'

Arnav surprise 'what? Now?'

Akash 'yes, it is urgent'

Arnav 'what is so urgent in the middle of the night? Is everything okay there?'

Akash 'everything is fine here, all are good. I...I want to talk to you about Shyam'

There was pause from Arnav's end, Akash desperately 'bhai Payal told me Jijaji's truth, and even her family members and Laxmi Nagar people...but I want to hear the truth from you....please bhai I want to meet you'

Arnav sighing 'I don't know what Payal told you about Shyam but he is not the person we thought him to be Akash'

Akash 'bhai?'

Arnav 'okay I'll meet you tomorrow at office then talk everything face to face'

Akash 'you will come to office? But Khushiji?'

Arnav 'I can't leave her alone here, I will come with her'

Akash 'okay bhai'

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