Chapter 16: Dark silence

Within a second, Lavanya raised a sharp object to hit her head when in a sudden door flew open and Asr made his entry. Arohi collapse on the ground. Her weak gaze strode toward the sinister figure standing in front of her and then she moved her eyes to other side by realizing those monsters already disappear. She sighed and pressed her lips to bear the pain. His eyes widen. She was lying in the floor, injuring her head. How this happens? Only question haunting him.

He hurried and sat beside her taking her lifeless figure in his lap. She blink her eyes to view him clearly as it was blurring.

''Open your eyes..'' He patted her cheeks. Hearing his sharp voice, Akash came rushing inside.

Her mind was screaming to tell Arnav but her body was too paralyzed to speak. He could sense she was trying to fight with herself. Akash was highly afraid. He was sweating and his inside was breaking seeing her like that.

''Diii..'' She mumbled a name before closing her eyes.

''Aru..'' Khushi wake up in a sudden to view around. She tried to search something in a dark room but she had no idea what it was. Her eyes popped out when she look at the time. Her breathe grew rapid and palm went clammy. A small terror coursing through her body and it turned into bigger one. Hurriedly, she sneaked out and stood at the balcony. A cold air blew past her. Her eyes try to find her little sister.

''Aru kaha hain tu? She was trying her number several times but there is no reply. Her heart was constricted with fear with her mobile glued to her ears. A hand curl on her shoulder. She alarmed and turned to see her but found Karan standing. Her face had so much worries as if something big had happened.

He gripped her and guided her toward the room.

''Relax! She will be back soon..'' She just stay numb and her nervousness was noticed by him. Bringing her in, he carefully made her lay on the bed but she again got up supporting the headboard. She raked her hand to think. Thousands of unpleasant thoughts crossing her mind. It was totally indigestible to think she was with that Boy, Akash at this time of night. What if he try to.. She can't imagine anything happen with her. She shook her head pulling her knees near her heart and look at him hopelessly.

''Karan-Why she didn't reach home yet..?'' She was extremely worried. He come around and made her seat comfortably, taking a seat beside her.

''She must be stuck in traffic..'' He saw discomfort in her eyes.

''Why you let him go with another guy..Who is Akash..? I want her home NOW..'' She was getting hyper thinking about him as Arnav words still ringing in her ears.

''Khushi..Stop..'' He careless her back but nothing was helping her. She only want her safety. Her breathe turning uneven. She found difficult in breathing. Immediately, he took out her pump from the drawer and blow it in her mouth. After a while, he found her a bit relax. But her stress blunter rapidly increasing. He made her rest on the bed and spread the duvet over her, putting a full stop on their conversation.

''You are still weak and it is not good for your health to take so much stress..Arohi will be back soon..sleep now..'' She was half convinced. He divert her attention by talking with her unborn. A sweet smile appeared on her lips getting the feeling of motherhood. He began applying cream on her swollen legs. She stare at him affectionately. The way he was taking care of her it swell her heart in joy. She was proud to get a lovely friend. Even in her bad times, he didn't left her side. While, he was content he able to cheer her up from all tensions. But till how long?

''I am so lucky to got you in my life..Thanks karan for always being with me..I owe you for that throughout my life..'' He look at her hand that was holding him.

He look into her eyes for a while longer, lost into it. She raised her eyebrow and waved her hand in front of his eyes.

''Hello!'' She pinched him by getting no response. ''Karan you are behaving weirdly and I'm noticing this from past some days..what is bothering you..?'' He tore his gaze and look aside. He just stay numb and his nervousness notice by her.

''Don't lied to me..'' She circled his hand on her fourth month swollen belly, signing him to say it quickly. He was unable to meet her eyes.

''Khushi I wanted to give my name to your baby..'' He said in one breathe. His words shocked her.

''And I lov..'' Been interrupted by her sharp voice.

''SHUT YOURSELF UP COMPLETELY..DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU WERE SAYING..?'' There was a fury in her voice.

A word L-O-V-E held no meaning in her life..she hate this useless feelings and emotions that was the reason of her destruction. Those simple words was the culmination of a love she held for a man whom she used to worshiped and loved passionately. But it already dies crushing her every damn happiness by his so called revenge game. She closed her eyes and then open it looking at his sulky face.

''You are my best friend Karan..I thought you understand me after what he did with me..Don't spoil your life by running behind me..it will only pain you..'' There was a rage in her eyes that was impossible to sustain. He had a slight idea it could be her reaction but he cannot tolerate her sorrow anymore.

''How long you will punish yourself for THAT ONE MISTAKE and cage yourself up..it wasn't your fault..look what you have done to yourself..the khushi I know was full of life..you are lifeless..she taught other how to live and today when I see you, its like I never knew you..'' She pulled in a ragged breathe.

''That man killed me..'' she passed a painful chuckle.

''Forget him and move on..''

''I will never forget him neither permit him to forget me so easily..he will die every single day and feel the pain I went through every single second given by him..'' She spoke through greeted teeth.

****

In hospital:

Akash was pacing outside the ward and stared to look at her from the glass window. Arnav was standing in a corner, waiting for doctor to come out. Seeing Akash's tensed face, he placed a hand on his shoulder assuring him.

''Bhai how this happen?'' Arnav didn't say anything but keep looking at a point very deeply.

''I don't understand what is she doing in your room when I told her to wait for me and how she got injured? Akash try to seek answer.

''I guess someone had attacked her..'' Arnav said resolutely.

''What?'' He narrowed his eyes.

''Yes! Hp saw her at last. He told me she wanted to talk with me something urgent and she seems in hurry. But the thing is that who wanted to harm her and why?'' He paused. ''And when I reached, there was no one nor I found anything by which she got hurt..'' He had lot of doubts in his mind.

''Only Arohi could answer now..Who it could be..'' Arnav said. His experience was enough to warn him something definitely had happened. That's when doctor come out breaking his conversation in between.

''Patient is out of danger...You can meet her but make sure not to disturb her..she is under sedative effect..'' Akash heaved in relief.

''Thank you, doctor!'' Arnav shake his hand.

''Its good you guys bring her on time, I had stitched her wounds... She will gain conscious in some hours then you can take her home..'' Doctor gave some instructions and prescribed some medicines before departing from there.

''I think we should inform her family..do you know any of her contact number..?''

''No bhai..recently she shift to other place and her di is pregnant! I don't think we should inform her at this state..Aru once told me her medical condition is not good..There is some complications in her pregnancy and any kind of stress or shock could risk her unborn..This baby was her only support to survive even she try to commit suicide twice..'' His face went rigid and body get stiff hearing that. To his astonishment, he felt tugged in his heart like there is strong connecting between them. While Akash continued.

''May be her Di will not able to handle this..i guess we should wait for Arohi to regain and then inform her family..'' he remained while Akash went inside to meet her.

Arnav was lost in his deep thought. He was feeling bad unexpectedly. His trace have been halted when nurse came and handed patient's mobile which she got while changing her dress into hospital uniform. He took the mobile and saw 34 missed call flashing in her mobile from the name 'Di'. Unknowingly, it stir something inside him. Suddenly, her phone started ringing and it was from the same name. He went to hand over to Akash but a strange feeling urge him to stop.

''Aru where are you..why the hell you not picking my damn call..'' He was astonished. Earth slipped from his feet the moment he heard her voice. His brain cells stop working. How this possible? Is she Arohi's sister???

There was only silence fell on other side. He was confused, clueless how to react and what to say.

''Do you have any slightest idea what time it was..'' She yelled waiting for her reply. His grip tightened and he closed his eyes briefly. He wasn't in right term to react or speak a word. After a long time, he broke the silence.

''Khushi..'' He barely whisper. She froze hearing her name. Her inside burnt. She cannot failed to recognize his voice. There was so much madness and anger filled her senses that is about to erupt anytime. Everything was beyond her endurance.

A beep sound escape from other end. He look back at the screen frantically and saw phone get disconnected. ''I know it was you!'' He felt something breaking inside him.

''Arnav singh raizada!'' All she had questions, numerous question that was eating her sanity. What is he doing with my sister? Her eyes flared in anger. She hold her head within her hands.

''No god please don't let anything happen to her..I will not spare him if he dare to touch her..'' She throw everything that come on her way, trembling in shock.

******

Lavanya was pacing in the room with nervousness and fear. Aman was silently observing her without showing any expression.

''What you looking at me now...Everything is finished..Asr will know about us and I will never be able to marry him..'' She punch her legs on the table getting highly frustrated and angry. He went to hugged her.

''Relax..''

''Baby- I don't want to die..Asr will kill me..He will destroy my carrier...Do something please..'' She pleaded helplessly and started crying unstoppable.

''I want to see that girl dead body..kill her Aman..kill her..'' She said making him thundered.

******

Arnav started to join the dots. His hand went cold as the reality begin to descend him. The more he think and analysed, the more it was getting clear. The puzzle was finally fallen into places. He never thought the girl he was finding since ages would come back into his life like this. He stare at the mobile screen and kissed it.

''Finally I found you, khushi!'' His lips creep into a big smile. He was only waiting for Arohi to come back into senses. After that he able to meet Khushi and his unborn. How desperately he waited for this moment. His patience paid off atlas.

In a meanwhile, he entered in the room and saw Arohi lying in the bed with her hand held by Akash. He moved out leaving them alone and sat in the bench outside the room. After a while, he got a call from his house and he drove off totally oblivious it was Lavanya plan to bring him out of hospital.

After one hour:

Taking few silent strides, Aman entered her ward wearing doctor's uniform. A light green mask were almost covered his face from everyone eyes. He scan the room. There was a complete silence. He walked in and saw Arohi's sleeping posture. His gaze went to Akash. Without any delay, he remove a cloth to sprinkle the chloroform and drugged him. Seeing no movement from his side, he reached to her. Taking out the weapon, he raised the knife to slashed her. But in a sudden, His palm halted. Something stopped him. He took a step behind while his hands were started trembling.

''What I was doing? I can't kill any innocent girl..She is also someone's sister..'' His inner voice cursed him committing the sin and he walked out.

******

Next morning:

Khushi was sitting in her cabin all tensed and worried with her hand raking her head. Whole night Arohi didn't came home upon that her phone answered by her biggest enemy.

''What is he trying to do?'' Her blood was boiling thinking about that man. The door been knocked and Karan walked in. There was seriousness on his expression.

''Arohi met with an accident..'' He said and she carried her head.

What?? Her eyes narrowed and she hurriedly rose from the place. Her feet wobbled. ''Where is she?''

''She was admitted to hospital but don't worry she is fine now..I made all arrangement to bring her back home..'' She clenched her fist. He paused looking her disturbed face. '''Her friend Akash rang me just now and he..'' She flinched.

''Friend or boyfriend?'' The look on his expression was clearly indicating he had some knowledge about them. ''You knew about their affair?'' There was a roughness in her voice.

''Recently I got to know about him!'' Khushi already feel uneasy. This name remind her of everything which she was trying to forgot. Arnav's brother name was..? She mumbled in her heart.

''They are in love..'' He said and she closed her eyes in pain. This one word have enough capability to throw her toward the edge of sanity. She slanted her head to look at him.

''Love my foot!'' She bang her hand on the table and throw the file on the floor. Without any delay, she started walking to bring her back from hospital.

''Khushi please listen..'' He try to hold her but she shoved him away.

''I had have enough! You don't care to inform me..how could you hide it, Karan?'' She roared furiously.

''You can't go there..Arnav could be present there..'' He blocked her way.

''So what! You think I care..'' A sudden rage began to gripped her. He rubbed her back and made her seat on the chair. She took a exasperated breathe to calm her throaty voice.

''Trust me! Nothing will happen to her..I didn't told you about Akash because I don't want to stress you..I care for you and your baby..'' There is so much hesitancy in his voice as he know what is coming next.

''Who is he..? Which family he belongs? '' She shot questioning glare and was praying what she was assuming was not true. It couldn't be him. He was not sure if he should reveal his identity or not. He was unable to meet her eyes after that. She was waiting for him to continue but he was struggling with words. He had a fear what will be its consequence.

''He is AKASH..AKASH SINGH RAIZADA..ARNAV'S YOUNGER BROTHER..'' Her patience reached its height and she fell on the chair.

''No!!!!'' She shake her head in denial.

''You are lying right?'' Her only ray of hope already vanished. His silence was enough to make her realize the gravity of truth. She gave a murderous glare and her fist clenched. Her heart try to absorb the reality until she could no longer bear it. This was one wound that wouldn't heal no matter how much she tried. This time he crossed all the limits.

''Arnav singh raizada..You made a grave mistake dragging my sister into this..'' Her entire life have been thrown after Arnav singh Raizada. This time she won't let him use her sister in the hands of any other Raizada.

******

''Are you mad..what are you saying..?'' Akash was bewildered in shock by the revelation.

''I am telling the truth..Aman and lavanya tried to kill me and they are having affair..'' Arohi could see uncertainty in his features.

''What rubbish! Are you out of your mind? Lavanya loves bhai like crazy..she can never ditch him for another man..'' He was unable to grasp the news.

''I have seen with my own eyes..they are cruel morons and we should inform Arnav bhaiya regarding this..''

''Don't do any stupidity again..'' She eyed him. ''What you thought you tell him and he believe you?

''What do you mean?''

''I was supposed to say do you have any proof to prove your point? She was Bhai girlfriend from past 3-4 years and Di trust her blindly like anything..it will only complicate the situation and deteriorate your image in front of my family..'' She looked on disbelief.

''Don't you believe me? You think I'm lying and all these wounds were done by me..'' She snapped in anger and shrugged his hand touching her.

''Aru, think wisely..This is not so easy what you are assuming..I believe you because I was aware you cannot lied to me but my family members will only blame you..Di and bhai rarely know you..It will be very easy for Lavanya to prove you wrong and bhai won't go against di decision neither he believe you without any proof.. he believe what you see not in any said words..'' He try to make her understand.

''But Aku..How I stay quiet and let this happen.. we can at-least try to make him understand and tell him not to marry that filthy women..She is very cunning and disgusting, I have seen her ugly face and i can't tolerate her into his life..'' She retorted straight-fully.

'''You are talking like my Bhai was your sister lover and you can't see him marrying another girl..'' He said casually without realizing the hidden truth behind his statement.

''Shut up Akash! Don't compare that disgusting man with Arnav Bhaiya..He is not like him..He respect girls not play with him like that disgusting guy who only know how to satisfy his needs and make fun of a girl innocence..'' Arnav glued at the door hearing her last statement.

''Aru relax...I was just joking..Why are you taking so seriously?'' He try to humor which only raise her temper.

''This is not a joke- Akash..I hate him..I hate him like I hate no-one.. If some day he came in front of me i will ask him what was my Di mistake that he crashed her feelings and used her ..Because of him she forgot to smile..Who gave him right to play with her feelings..??'' Guilt began to consume him. What will happen when she came face to face with the worst devil she ever known.

''I will never forgive him, Akash..That man disgust me..loath me..I will kill him with my bare hands once I found him..'' Every morsel of flesh in her bone shrank with anger. Arnav momentarily shut his eyes. What had he done? He felt sick of himself. But he had to do whatever possible from his end. He felt a hand on his shoulder.

''Bhai..'' She lifted her gaze and turned to meet him by her pleasant smile. Controlling his inner feelings, he compose himself and took a seat in the stool.

''Don't judge anyone so easily there is lot of hidden truth which you cannot imagine even I had done many mistakes in my life which is amendable..'' He said in a matter of fact and look away.

''You and mistake? Impossible! You are perfect idol for Akash and like him, my faith will never wandered no matter what..'' She stated with confidence that break him more.

''How are you feeling now?'' Arnav asked hiding his emotions.

''I am fine..'' She smiled. ''And doctor said I can go home now..'' She grinned.

''That's good! But how this happen?'' She suddenly look nervous. She open her mouth to say not before glancing at Akash grip, indicating her to stay silent.

*******

Furiously, the door been kicked from outside. Lavanya hands glued from packing her bag who was all set to ran-away.

''WHY YOU DID THIS?'' Panic filled her senses when she hear the owner of that voice. She turned and saw his ragged form. His eyes were filled with aggression. She was terrified to death.

''How dare you, lavanya!''

''Asr I didn't do anything..sh..e..sh..e..that girl was lying!'' She shuddered by his glare.

''Shut up just shut up..i don't want to hear anything..'' His voice was sharp enough to shut her mouth. There is so much bitterness in his expression. Suddenly he pushed her on the floor and took out something from behind.

''There was a time when khushi humiliate me and in return I ripped her virginity as a punishment but fortunately and unfortunately, you were my girlfriend...A girl that hold special place in my life but you played with my Di emotions..how dare you!!!!!!!!'' His voice turn dangerous that shift her body gradually. She gulped.

''You cannot imagine what is going to happen with you in next few moments..'' There was a sarcastic smile on his face and then he showed her bottle containing acid in it. She grew horrified when he open it, heading toward her in slow determined steps.

''There is so much crave in your body for S**...wasn't you?'' She was hell scared. ''After that, No man will ever dare to get close to you..In-fact you were not liable to pleasure any man once this acid come in contact with your awful body..Everyone disgust you! Even your so called lover, Aman..'' Her face turn pale.

''Don't..'' She almost begged and joined her both hands. All she was looking was one chance to escape. But arnav smiled in response.

''Somebody please help..'' She was shouting but there is no mercy.

''You cheated me and now bear this..'' He scoffed but then his eyes turn thick as he started advancing toward her again and she began going backward.

''Today you will learn what is the consequence of messing with Arnav Singh Raizada..''

''No !!! Leave me I would die..'' She closed her eyes and he twisted her hands, tying her with robe without letting her to move an inch. There is no chance for her survival. All his anger and frustration have been gathering inside him began to unravel.

''I won't let you. Even god can't take you without my permission..'' He countered throwing her on the rough floor. She yelped and struggling until her limps began to sore. Within one swift movement, the acid been splashed on her skin. She screamed in pain loudly. Every pore of her body was arching. Her entire muscles was burning horribly. Horror ruled her when she look at the ugly state of herself in the mirror.

No!!!!!!!!!!!! She cried and dreadful silence fell in the room.

She open her eyes and touch herself but to her surprise, her skin wasn't burning. She was perfectly fine. Was she hallucinating? She took a sigh of relief and gulped the water in one go to chill her mind. After the initial shock, she recovered a bit and decided what she should do to come out of this mess.

******

''Bhai there is nothing serious..she slipped in the room and then something fell on her head..that's it..'' Akash try to cover the matter.

''Are you sure?'' Arnav asked glancing at the unpleasant look of Arohi. She pass a look at Akash and decided to follow his instruction. She need to search a solid proof against her.

Arnav eager eyes getting impatient by the second. He wanted to meet her.

''How is khushi..I mean your sister..where is she?'' He asked urgently. His ear was curious to get the information he was waiting for. She looked on confused seeing the sudden change in expression but didn't say anything. She turn to gaze at Akash and then at Arnav.

''Bhai how do you know her sister's name?'' Akash asked but he was silent. She was shocked to see worry on his face. She was waited for few moments for his reply while he was finding proper words to reveal his identity. He stopped once he turn to look at his brother.

What about Akash? She will hate him too once this bitter reality come face to face. This horrible truth will probably end their relationship. How will he survive without her? Arnav was in dilemma.

Suddenly, his cell rang and he receive the call from a private number.

''Hello Mr Raizada...'' A cunning voice escape from other end.

''Whose speaking?''

''Don't waste your energy or time to inquire about me! Think about KHUSHI GUPTA..Don't you wanted to meet your Ex?'' Something flickering in his eyes.

''Who the hell are you?''

''Well, I am your well wisher and I can tell you where is she!'' Blood rushed through his veins. He was lost of words.

''Khushi gupta was working for Karan Rajpal as his manager in his office and currently she was staying with him in his apartment..'' His eyes twinkled. He shut the call and a broad smile appeared on his face. His heart felt at peace, his soul felt complete. Baffled, Arohi's eyes went to Arnav. He was relaxed and satisfied. For the first time, she saw something different in his eyes.

''Bhaiya what happen..you looking so happy..?'' She asked.

''Yes..I m very happy..i found her..i found her finally..'' He said in a hurry and turn to walk out.

''Who?'' He without saying a word ran toward his destination leaving Arohi in lot of doubts.

******

RK Industry:

''Work is done..!'' Person left getting a single nod from Karan. He walked to stand in front of her who was standing near the window.

''He is coming after you..'' Karan exclaimed. She knew it and today she wanted to knew how far he will follow her. ''Khushi, Are you sure?''

''Its time to face the great Arnav Singh Raizada..'' He saw her fist curled so that her long nails were digging in her palms and tearing her skin. He held her hand and urged her to open her palms. But she held it more tightly. Her eyes wept to him.

''This is insanity..he is nothing but the reason of your pain, only pain..He will ruin you, khushi..''

''I am already fallen, already ruined. A person who lose everything can never be cared of loosing because there is nothing left to get scared and ruined..'' She spat calmly without showing any sign of emotion. She hold his hand, blinking her eyes and he nodded still not satisfied. He was really worried now.

''Don't worry he will not harm you, at-least not yet..'' She said curtly and moved her hand to touch her baby bump. ''He can harm me but not his own blood which is growing in my womb..'' He gave his half-hearten smile as her content.

To be continued!

Clarification: Arnav didn't accept his feelings for khushi yet. He was regretting after getting news about her pregnancy but sooner he will accept his feelings and confess his love to her. Definitely she will not forgive him so soon.

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